Tuesday, July 31, 2012 -
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Somalia Report news agency reported 7 Pakistani crew of the boxship Albedo were released by pirates against a ransom of reportedly $1.2 million, on July 31 2012. Seafarers were transferred to Himan and Heeb Administration and then passed to Galmudug officials who are taking them to Galka'ayo to catch a flight to Nairobi, Kenya. The fate of the vessel and the rest of the crew is unclear, as the owner insists he can’t collect the demanded sum of $5 million. Among Pakistani crew members was captain, meaning the captain left his vessel and the rest of his crew. There have been several campaigns in recent months in Pakistan petitioning for their release. After increased pressure on the Pakistani government, Pakistani businessman and Chairman of Bahria Town, Malik Riaz, announced that he would be topping up the ransom fund in order to release the vessel and its crew.
Hijack news:
Boxship Albedo highjacked on Nov 26 2010 in Indian ocean, vessel was enroute from Jebel Ali UAE to Mombasa Kenya, loaded with containers. Boxship Albedo IMO 9041162, dwt 15562, built 1993, flag Malaysia, owner Majestic Enrich Shipping Sendirian Berhad.
Intitially crew of 23 was reported, but later it was said that “one crew member, an Indian, has died from cholera, while the others, seven Pakistanis including the captain, seven Sri Lankans, six Bangladeshis and one Iranian have survived the ordeal, each losing 20kg to 30kg”, which makes the crew of 22, not 23.
Comment: So much for the demands to stop the ransom practice and forbid ransoms payments. Pirates will start “selling” the crews, in worst possible scenario demanding money from the families of the seafarers.
Voytenko Mikhail
