Hijacked MV Abdullah latest news
A week has passed since the Somali pirates took control of MV Abdullah from a location 600 nautical miles off the coast on 12 March. Following the hijacking, it took over two days to navigate the ship into Somali waters, with an additional two days spent to anchor in a safe and secure place. However, for the past two days, the ship’s location has remained unchanged, with no communication initiated by the pirates with either the ship owner or relevant authorities. Hijacked MV Abdullah latest news
Meanwhile, an update emerges from a voice message sent by a sailor on board the hijacked vessel that indicated that a new contingent of 11 armed pirates has taken control of the ship replacing the pirates who captured it. Naval experts suggest that the pirates are currently engaged in a strategic waiting game, meticulously observing the situation. Initially, they took several days to locate a secure anchorage for the vessel and now, they are evaluating the ship’s value and the owner’s capability to meet their demands. Hijacked MV Abdullah latest news
Based on his past experience, he said the Somali pirates often behave rudely with the hostages and force them to send messages to family members back home to compel the ship’s authority to pay the ransom promptly. Hijacked MV Abdullah latest news
“It is wise for the ship’s crew to behave well with the pirates in the present circumstances to avoid any untoward incident,” he said.
“The Somali pirates hijack ships for ransom money. After taking a ship and its crew hostages, they often employ a lawyer as a mediator to discuss the matter with the ship’s authority in two or three days. Nothing much can be done until then,” he also said.
“That was the case with MV Jahan Moni. The mediator lawyers will contact the ship’s owners to discuss ransom and other terms,” Captain Farid said.
“There is no certainty as to how long the crew will have to remain hostages. So, it is necessary to use the ship’s stored food, water, and fuel responsibly during this time. The crew would have to do rationing to last longer with the food and water,” Farid continued.
“Sometimes, the pirates may bring in food from the mainland after anchoring the ship, but restocking fresh water for consumption is difficult once the ship’s stock becomes exhausted,” he said.
“Also, if the ship’s fuel runs out, that may bring much suffering to the ship’s crew. So, it is necessary to exercise caution to this end,” the captain added. Hijacked MV Abdullah latest news
Shakhawat criticised some local media outlets for spreading sensational news, potentially disrupting the negotiation process. He said it is important to remain calm and patient, awaiting communication from the pirates rather than succumbing to panic.
Mohammad Idris, a sailor who experienced the hijacking of MV Jahan Moni by Somali pirates in 2010, recounted that it took the pirates 26 days to issue a ransom demand to the ship owner after seizing control of the vessel.
“This tactic aims to exert pressure on the families of the sailors and the ship owner. Even after making their demand, they continue to prolong the negotiation process,” he explained.
