Colombo: Families say Somali pirates are demanding USD 6 million (S$7.5 million) for the release of six Sri Lankan fishermen who were abducted three months ago.
Niroshan Anthony said on Wednesday his brother and the other fishermen set out to sea in Negombo on Sri Lanka's west coast last September for multi-day fishing, but contact with the vessel was lost after one month. Anthony is the older brother of abducted fisherman Shantha Sebastian.
“They have threatened to kill my brother and let us hear the gunfire on the phone if the money is not paid by Friday,” said Anthony, adding that his family is unable even to meet their basic needs.
Fisheries Minister Rajitha Senaratne confirmed the pirate attack but said the Somali government has not been able to secure the fishermen's release.
Bureau Report
First Published: Thursday, February 02, 2012, 09:14