Mumbai: Ending a six-month ordeal, the
crew of 9 Indian and 12 Iranian sailors of cargo ship MV Sinin
was freed on Saturday by Somali pirates.
"Nine Indian sailors along with 12 Iranians of Sinin
have been released by the pirates today. All of them are
safe," Director General of Shipping S B Agnihotri said.
The Somali pirates had on February 12 seized the
Malta-flagged, 52,000 tonne bulk carrier 315 nautical miles
off Masirah (Oman) while it was way to Singapore from Fujairah
(UAE)
Details like if ransom was paid to secure the release
of the sailors and the ship were not immediately known.
The ship owner has provided necessary provisions and
fuel so that the freighter can sail to Colombo, a Directorate
General of Shipping statement said.
The ship is expected to reach Colombo by August 19
following which it will be dry docked for extensive
inspection,it added.
The names of Indian sailors, where they hail from and
when they will arrive home were not disclosed.
PTI
First Published: Saturday, August 13, 2011, 22:15