UPDATE: The two crew members held as hostages have been released by Portuguese Navy units, CM reports. A sweep of the ship is taking place with the help of PJ criminal police in an attempt to find the two attackers.
A cargo ship sailing off the Algarve was attacked by armed men in the early hours of this Thursday. The reasons remain unclear, though authorities have not ruled out links to international drug trafficking.
According to Correio da Manhã tabloid, the container ship, sailing under a Liberian flag, had left Vigo in Galicia and was headed for Málaga in Andalusia when it was targeted in open waters.
At least two crew members have been reportedly held captive in the engine room. Their condition is still unknown, CM adds.
The Portuguese Navy has already deployed several units to the scene, including a helicopter carrying a special boarding team prepared to take control of the vessel. Rescue boats are also on standby in case of injuries during the operation.
The ship is currently located about 10 kilometres off the coast of Lagos.
