The MV Asphalt Venture, hijacked by Somali pirates in September last year with 15 Indian crew on board, was released on Friday. However, the pirates have not released seven crew members, reportedly to retaliate against arrests of pirates made by the Indian Navy.
OMCI Ship Management, managers of MV Asphalt Venture, a 1991-built asphalt/bitumen tanker, released a statement that read, “The vessel remains some five miles off the town of Harardhere. Despite concluding a dialogue with the pirates for the full release of 15 crew and vessel, and payment of the ransom, six officers and one rating were taken off the tanker and were made to accompany the pirates.”
“All the appropriate international and Indian authorities have been alerted ... steps are being taken to try and re-establish contact with the pirates to secure the release of those still being held. OMCI’s office in Mumbai is making contact with all the families of the Indian seafarers of MV Asphalt Venture to explain the situation,” it read.
Meanwhile, reacting to the incident, the Indian Coast Guard said, “Our operation against pirates will not be affected by such incidents. Anybody entering Indian waters with an intention to carry out attacks on ships will be dealt with strictly as per the law.”