Cowes-based Carisbrooke Shipping have revealed that three crew members are being held hostage after pirates boarded their vessel in the Gulf of Guinea.
The ship MV Esther C, which was carrying 12 persons on board, was boarded by pirates yesterday evening before personal possessions were taken along with three of the crew.
The company are taking all possible steps to secure the safe return of their staff. Families have been notified.
MV Esther C is continuing on her passage with 9 remaining crew to rendezvous with a second Carisbrooke Shipping vessel within the next 24 hours.