Pirates hold 3 Indians hostage in Somalia

Mogadishu, Aug 28: A total of 24 people including three Indians were kidnapped, as pirates took over their cargo ship in Somalia on Thursday, Aug 21. One of those kidnapped has been identified as Jeevan Kiran D'Souza, a resident of Kasargod, who was serving as a seaman in the ship. The other two are identified as Akbar from Ratnagiri and Anthony from Goa.

The ship 'Iran Deynat' was sailing towards Somalia carrying cargo from Poland. Sources say that communication with the hijackers has been difficult, as the hijackers do not understand English.

The hijackers have taken the ship 'Iran Deynat' to a place called Eyl on the Somalia coast. The pirates have seized all the laptops and mobile phones in the possession of the crew and 17 pirates armed with guns are in command of the ship. Owing to engine trouble, the pirates have been unable to take the ship to their intended destination.

It is believed there is also a shortage of drinking water on board the hijacked ship.

The Mumbai-based officials of 'Iran Deynat' have assured the relatives of the abducted crew members that they are negotiating with the pirates to allow all of them safe passage to their respective countries.

Jeevan D'Souza joined the ship two years ago. His family had faxed memorandums to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Union Defence Minister A K Antony, Union Minister for Non-Resident Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi and Union Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed for help.

OneIndia News