SEVEN crew from Asphalt Venture held for four years in Somalia have been released and are safe in Kenya, according to the Maritime Piracy Humanitarian Response Programme (MPHRP).
Somali pirates continue holding 30 seamen some of them captive for more than four and a half years.
The 1991-built 3,883-dwt asphalt tanker was hijacked off Somalia in September 2010 with 15 crew.
After what the MPHRP describes as "lengthy negotiations" the remaining crew were released last night and arrived in Kenya this morning, reported Lloyd's List, adding that the pirates had only received money to pay their fares to safety.
It appears that in this case the pirates realised that there was little chance that continuing to hold the crew would secure a large ransom, said the Lloyd's List report.
"After more than four years in captivity we are delighted for them and their families after the terrible ordeal and hardship that they have suffered," said MPHRP chairman Peter Swift.
"The tremendous efforts and generous support of all those who helped to secure their release and safe return are greatly appreciated, including the team at Holman Fenwick Willan [London law firm] who stepped in on a pro bono basis to help make this happen," he said.
PIRACY
03 November 2014 - 20:59
Somali pirates free 7 crew of 3,883-dwt Asphalt Venture held captive 4 years
SEVEN crew from Asphalt Venture held for four years in Somalia have been released and are safe in Kenya, according to the Maritime Piracy Humanitarian Response Programme (MPHRP).
PIRACY
03 November 2014 - 20:59
Somali pirates free 7 crew of 3,883-dwt Asphalt Venture held captive 4 years
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