An Italian-flagged offshore patrol vessel has been attacked by pirates in the Gulf of Mexico.

According to Mexican news reports citing the Mexican Navy, two crew aboard the vessel Remas were injured in the attack and transferred to a nearby hospital.

The vessel had reportedly been approached in the Bay of Campeche by two boats with an estimated eight assailants. One person was shot in the leg while another suffered head injuries in the attack.

Remas had 30 persons, including the crew, on board at the time of the attack.