The crew of the Indian cargo ship that was taken by Somali pirates on April 1st have been released after a standoff with Somali security forces, Oceans Beyond Piracy (OBP) confirmed to World Maritime News.
Up to 11 crew members were said to be on board MV Al Kausar when it was hijacked. Two crew members were abandoned by pirates earlier and now the remaining nine crew have been released as well, OBP said. The dhow was released on Monday.
Following the attack, EU Naval Force said that the cargo dhow was located in the vicinity of Hobyo, Somalia. The naval force tried to establish radio communications but without success.
The cargo vessel was en route from Dubai to either Bosasso, Somalia when it was attacked in the vicinity of Socotra.
The master of the vessel had reported that it was approached by a skiff with men onboard, who tricked his crew by asking for water.
The Indian cargo ship is the third vessel to be hijacked by Somali pirates this year after a five-year break in Somali pirating activity.
World Maritime News Staff