Hijacked ship MV Victoria traced, Indian crew safe

Mumbai,May 21 : The Indian crew of the hijacked cargo ship MV Victoria is safe, the Directorate General of Shipping said today . It was hijacked off the Somalian coast on May 17 by heavily armed somali pirates.

The ship has been traced at the Hobiyo port located more than 500 km from Mogadishu. It was carrying 4,200 tonnes of bagged sugar for war-ravaged Somalia hit by food shortages.

"The crew is reported to be safe. The Directorate is still waiting for the contact details of the Indian seafarers from the Managers," DG Shipping said in a statement.

Negotiations are on for the release of 21 sailors on board, he added.

Meanwhile, India has requested the US Naval Forces-Central Command in Bahrain to initiate steps to free the ship and crew.It has promised to extend all possible help to free the vessel and crew, DG Shipping said.

ANI