Somali pirates have released a merchant ship on payment of a ransom, but have kept seven crew members hostage, MarineLog reports.
The International Chamber of Shipping, ITF, Indian National Shipowners’ Association, NUSI, MUI, IMEC, InterManager, Intertanko and BIMCO say they "deplore" the development.
The Asphalt Venture, a 1991 built asphalt/bitumen tanker was hijacked by Somali pirates on September 28 2010 and, following a ransom payment, the ship was released on April 15. Despite the owners’ concluding a dialogue with the pirates for the full release of 15 crew and vessel and payment of the ransom, the vessel was released but the master has reported that six officers and one rating were taken off the tanker and made to accompany the pirates ashore.
There is speculation that pirates in Harardhere made the move in retaliation for the arrest of Somali pirates by the Indian Navy in recent weeks.
The International Chamber of Shipping, ITF, Indian National Shipowners’ Association, NUSI, MUI, IMEC, InterManager, Intertanko and BIMCO say they "deplore" the development.
The Asphalt Venture, a 1991 built asphalt/bitumen tanker was hijacked by Somali pirates on September 28 2010 and, following a ransom payment, the ship was released on April 15. Despite the owners’ concluding a dialogue with the pirates for the full release of 15 crew and vessel and payment of the ransom, the vessel was released but the master has reported that six officers and one rating were taken off the tanker and made to accompany the pirates ashore.
There is speculation that pirates in Harardhere made the move in retaliation for the arrest of Somali pirates by the Indian Navy in recent weeks.