“We are seeking additional information so that we can contribute to the safe resolution of the situation, said Carney.
“We're monitoring the situation and we're seeking additional details. Our principal concern now is the safe return of two American citizens” he added.
Pirates abducted both the captain and chief engineer of an American-flagged oil platform supply vessel Wednesday in the waters off Nigeria. Their current location and well-being are unkown.
Carney warned that the abductions are part of a larger trend of increasing piracy off the West African coast.
“We are concerned by the disturbing increase in the incidents of maritime crime, including incidents of piracy off the coast of West Africa, specifically in the Gulf of Guinea. And we have and will continue to work with West African governments to build the capacity and political will needed to address piracy and related criminal activity,” he said.
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