Somali pirates release hijacked Indian vessel

New Delhi, Mar 22: An Indian cargo vessel with 16 crew on board were released on Saturday, Mar 21 evening after it was hijacked by Somali pirates off Aden.

No ransom demand had been made by the pirates who reportedly freed the ship after stealing 25 barrels of fuel.

All the 16 Indian sailors were beaten but no major injuries. The ship was hijacked on March 21 at 10.30 hours, the Directorate General of Shipping said in a release.

The ship was travelling between Dubai and Mogadishu carrying rice, refined oil, wheat and general cargo. The coalition forces and the Indian navy vessel operating in the Gulf of Aden have been informed of the incident and have been asked to provide assistance.

The latest incident brings back memories of the Stolt Valor where 18 Indians on board were taken hostage in September 2008. The men were released two months later.

The pirates initially demanded 6-million dollars, however they reportedly settled for 2.5-million.

OneIndia News