Twenty-two Indians on board a ship, which went missing in the waters of West Africa last week, have been freed by pirates, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj announced on Tuesday morning.
“I am happy to inform that Merchant Ship Marine Express with 22 Indian nationals on board has been released,’’ she tweeted. She also thanked the governments of Nigeria and Benin for their help and support in securing the release of the ship.
The Hong Kong-based shipping company, which hired the Indian sailors, also announced the release of the ship that went missing in the Gulf of Guinea in Benin on Friday. The oil tanker was carrying 13,500 tonnes of gasoline on board.
“We are delighted to report that the MT Marine Express, which was hijacked by pirates on 1 February, is now back under the command of the captain & crew. All crew members are reported to be safe & well & the cargo intact. We thank you all for your well wishes,” the company tweeted.
On Sunday, Sushma Swaraj had stated that all efforts were being made to trace the merchant ship. The Indian mission in Nigeria was in touch with the authorities concerned and the situation was being constantly monitored, the External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi said.
The Gulf of Guinea has become an increasing target for pirates who steal cargo and demand ransoms, even as piracy incidents fall worldwide.