Pirates Release 19 Crew Members Kidnapped From Tanker In Gulf of Guinea

On December 3rd 2019, crude oil tanker vessel Nave Constellation (157039 gt, built 2010) was attacked by pirates in Gulf of Guinea. 19 crew members (18 Indian and 1 Turkish) were kidnapped as the vessel was en route from Bonny Offshore Terminal To India.

According to the latest statement from Owners, Navios Maritime Acquisition Corporation and Managers, Anglo-Eastern Tanker Management (Hong Kong), all crew members have been released and are safe.

The statement further added that, Following the attack on the Nave Constellation on December 3, some 77 nautical miles off Bonny, Nigeria, by an armed criminal gang, 19 crew members were abducted and held hostage. 18 Indian Nationals and one Turkish National crew member have been held by the gang since that time.

Image for representation purpose only. Image Credits: imo.org

Since the attack, the prime concern has been the safety, well-being and early return of the seafarers taken by the pirate gang.

Owners and Managers are now delighted to report that on December 21 all of those taken were released and are now safe and undergoing medical tests and debriefing, following which they will return to their loved ones at home.

All those taken and now released are in good spirits and well, given the circumstances of their time in captivity.

Owners and Managers wish to thank all the crew members and their families for their courage and fortitude during this difficult and worrying period; also to thank the Government Agencies, Authorities, Maritime institutions and specialists who have all done so much in securing the release of our much-valued seafarers.

It would be much appreciated if the privacy of all those held by the criminal gang for nearly three weeks could be respected as they are, once again, reunited with their families.

No operational details of the kidnap or release will be provided in order not to jeopardise the safety of seafarers still being held elsewhere or to encourage future criminal events and seizures.

Press Release

Source: Maritime Shipping News