Pirates Demand $1 Million Ransom for Indian Sailors
A Greek motor tanker ship called “MT Apecus” was attacked by Nigerian pirates. They have taken the Captain of the ship and six other crew members hostage. Five of the hostages are Indian.
Last month, a Greek motor tanker ship called “MT Apecus” was attacked by Nigerian pirates near the Bonny Island of Nigeria. The Captain of the ship and six other crew members were taken hostage. Five of them are Indian. One of the hostages was named Ankit Hooda from the Jind district in Haryana. The pirates used a satellite phone to contact his family. His family said that they initially they thought the pirates asked for $1,000. The pirates then repeated their demand and told them to pay $ 1 million. Ankit’s cousin Bharat Deshwal has said that the pirates have kept the 5 hostages at an undisclosed location.
Bharat spoke to all the 4 hostages on the satellite phone and confirmed that they are safe. He was unable to speak with the 5th hostage who is possibly from Visakhapatnam. The pirates told Bharat that neither the owner of the ship from Greece nor the Indian Embassy have tried contacting the pirates on behalf of the families. The pirates said that they are willing to accept $ 500,000 as well. They have not given details of how the transaction will take place.
Ankit’s family have been trying to get in touch with the government. They have even given all details to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. The Indian High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria have told Sushma Swaraj that they are working with the Nigerian government to release the Indian sailors. On 20th May the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency said it is making efforts to release the Indian sailors.
