Lagos — Unidentified gunmen yesterday attacked an oil service vessel in a deep sea oilfield operated by Addax Petroleum in Eket, Akwa Ibom.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt that the captain of the vessel, a retired army major, was allegedly shot but NAN could not immediately confirm his state of health.

It was gathered that the gunmen attacked almost all the crew members who are now recuperating from various degrees of injuries.

Security sources at the oil field told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the attack occurred at OML 123, an offshore oil block, operated by the Canadian oil exploration and production firm.

An official of the firm, who preferred anonymity, confirmed the attack and declined to give further details.

It was gathered that the gunmen came in two speed boats and attacked the vessel in the early hours of Thursday.

NAN recalls that the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) had last week threatened to withdraw the services of its members from the firm's oil fields over alleged insecurity.