Somali Pirates Free Hijacked Greek Oil Tanker

Somali pirates on Friday freed a Greek-operated oil products tanker and its crew after holding them hostage for nearly 10 months, the vessel’s manager said.

The tanker’s operator and manager Paradise Navigation did not give any details about whether a ransom was paid.

Somali piracy is costing the world economy billions of dollars a year and international navies struggle to combat the menace especially in the Indian Ocean due to the vast distances involved. The shipping industry has warned that seaborne gangs pose an increasing threat to vital sea lanes.

The Panama flagged MT Polar was hijacked on October 30 last year off the coast of Somalia with its 24 crew members, who included Romanian, Greek, Montenegrin and Filipino nationals.

One seafarer died of a stroke in November while being held by the captors, Paradise Navigation said.

“The vessel was released by the criminals holding her at 0630 hrs local time on Friday, August 26. The Polar was captured despite following all anti-piracy measures,” it said in a statement on Friday.

“The tanker with all crew on board is now on her way to a suitable safe port. All 23 members of the crew of the MT Polar are onboard and are reported to be safe and well and looking forward to being reunited with their families.”

The operator said it had followed all instructions given by insurance appointed specialists throughout the 300 days the vessel was held.

“Paradise Navigation SA will not be releasing any details of the dialogue which led to the release of the vessel, as they do not wish to provide any information which might in any way encourage further unacceptable criminal acts of this kind or prejudice the safety of those still being held,” it said.

Somali gangs are becoming increasingly violent, and are able to stay out at sea for long periods and in all weather conditions using captured merchant vessels as mother ships.

(Reuters)