(VOVworld) – Le Hai Binh, a spokesperson for the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry, said on Friday that as soon as informed about the 6 Vietnamese sailors on a cargo ship believed to be kidnapped and injured off the Philippines' Basilan Island, the ministry asked the Vietnamese Embassy in the Philippines to promptly contact with relating agencies of the host nation to verify the information and find the best solution.

Image of the vessel Royal 16 (Photo: vnexpress.net)

According to the Vietnamese Embassy, the wounded boat crew is still of sound mind and is undergoing treatment in the Philippines' Brent Hospital.

The Consular Department at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs has informed relevant agencies for timely coordination with the Philippines for investigation.

Earlier, foreign media reported that at least 10 gunmen kidnapped a number of crew members on-board the ship MV Royal 16 of Vietnam off southern Basilan Island.

After the attack, the ship anchored safely at Zamboanga port in the southern Philippines with the remaining 13 crew members.

Philippine coast guard officials are investigating the attack.