Somali pirates free MISC tanker after ransom payment
The second of MISC two tankers hijacked by Somali pirates has been freed following a ransom payment.
The Bunga Melati Lima and its crew of 41 hijacked on August 31 have been freed according to Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
"All its crew members have been released and the vessel is now heading to Djibouti (East Africa). The crew members are all in good health,” he told state newswire Bernama following the recording of his message for the upcoming Hari Raya Puasa holiday.
"A medical team from the Defence Ministry comprising of doctors, medical assistants and counsellors are providing assistance to the crew."
A ransom of $2m was reportedly paid for their release.
The Bunga Melati Dua hijacked 10-days earlier in the Gulf of Aden continues to be held by the Somali pirates and negotiations for its release are ongoing.
"The negotiations are showing positive signs. It is our hope that the release of the hostages and tanker can be secured soon,” Abdullah Badawi said.
"I wish to remind the family members to remain calm. We will do all we can to ensure they return home safely," he added.
The Bunga Melati Dua has 39 crew onboard, 29 Malaysian nationals and 10 Filipions.
Malaysia has been keen to free the hostages on both vessels before Hari Raya Puasa holiday on October 1 which marks the end of Ramadan, and major celebration in the Muslim state.
The Bunga Melati Lima and its crew of 41 hijacked on August 31 have been freed according to Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
"All its crew members have been released and the vessel is now heading to Djibouti (East Africa). The crew members are all in good health,” he told state newswire Bernama following the recording of his message for the upcoming Hari Raya Puasa holiday.
"A medical team from the Defence Ministry comprising of doctors, medical assistants and counsellors are providing assistance to the crew."
A ransom of $2m was reportedly paid for their release.
The Bunga Melati Dua hijacked 10-days earlier in the Gulf of Aden continues to be held by the Somali pirates and negotiations for its release are ongoing.
"The negotiations are showing positive signs. It is our hope that the release of the hostages and tanker can be secured soon,” Abdullah Badawi said.
"I wish to remind the family members to remain calm. We will do all we can to ensure they return home safely," he added.
The Bunga Melati Dua has 39 crew onboard, 29 Malaysian nationals and 10 Filipions.
Malaysia has been keen to free the hostages on both vessels before Hari Raya Puasa holiday on October 1 which marks the end of Ramadan, and major celebration in the Muslim state.