Pirates attacked a Vietnamese cargo ship and kidnapped six out of its 19 crewmembers off the Philippines' Basilan island on November 11, said the Vietnam Maritime Administration.

Image of the vessel Royal 16 

The ship, named Royal 16, was on its way from Vietnam's northeastern province of Quang Ninh to the Philippines with 19 crewmembers and a cargo of cement when it was attacked. 

It is owned by the Quy Sang Maritime Transport Joint Stock Company and operated by the Hoang Gia Maritime Joint Stock Company.

The ship sent an alert at 3:31 a.m. from a location about 10 nautical miles (18 kilometers) southwest of Basilan island.

After the attack, the ship anchored safely at Zamboanga port in the southern Philippines with the remaining 13 crewmembers, including one who suffered gunshot wounds in the arm.

Philippine coast guard officials are investigating the attack. 

The Vietnam Maritime Administration has asked regional and international anti-piracy agencies as well as the Consular Department under the Ministry for Foreign Affairs for help.-VNA