Six marines were wounded, three of them in a critical state. The victims who are said to be all Cameroonians are currently receiving treatment at the Douala Military Hospital.

According to security sources at the port, four heavy fishing boats were attacked by two 75 horsepower speedboats with about 30 on board.

“The pirates who were armed with Kalashnikovs were unable to get into the two boats: L -Cloex and Smyrna. They succeeded to get into two other boats; Eratris and Ftemar Elizabeth I where they seriously wounded three marines. Three others sustained slight injuries. In all, 13 cell phones, more than FCFA 400,000 and other valuables were taken away by the pirates. They also caused severe material damage on the vessels before disappearing into the high seas,” an anonymous security source at the seaport is quoted as saying.

The commander of the port maritime brigade, Joseph Mbianda, is also quoted as saying that thorough investigations have been opened.

After the attacks forces of the Rapid Intervention Brigade and those of the Douala Naval Base are said to have chased the pirates but in vain. One of the officers who were amongst those who were on a manhunt for the pirates is reported to have pointed accusing fingers at some neighbouring countries which he did not name.

No militant group has claim responsibility for the attack.

Officials of petroleum companies are quoted as saying they were not comfortable with increasing reports of attacks which chase away offshore workers.

The attack came barely months after another still around the Douala Seaport.