Kidnapped Crew of MV Bonita Released
THE J.J. Ugland Companies released a statement concerning the released and return to safety of nine crewmembers kidnapped by pirates from bulk carrier, Bonita, on November 2, 2019, Southwest of Cotonou, Benin.
JJ Ugland Companies stated that, "We are delighted to confirm that late on Friday evening, December 6, 2019, the nine crew members from MV Bonita held as hostages, were released in Nigeria and brought to a safe place in southern Nigeria, after 35 days in captivity."
All crew members have gone through medical examinations Friday and Saturday. The doctor declared all nine fit to fly/travel on Saturday. Needless to say, the captivity has been a very difficult experience for them. The crew members will receive further care and follow up after arrival in the Philippines. Ugland will continue to work with our crew members throughout their recovery process.
After being safely transported out of Nigeria, the crew members have now safely arrived in Manila, Philippines, to reunite with their families and colleagues.
Representatives from Ugland headquarters’ in Grimstad, Norway and other parties have been actively engaged in the process of bringing the hostages home and have been present both in Nigeria and the Philippines.
We are very thankful and relieved that the crew are now free and back home. President Øystein Beisland says: “We are truly happy that the nine crew members are now reunited with their families and have their wellbeing at heart. I would on behalf of the company like to sincerely thank all parties that have contributed to resolving this difficult situation”.
FREE AND SAFE: Eight of the nine hostages from MV Bonita en route to Manila, the ninth crew member is behind the camera. Executive Vice President in Ugland, Arnt Olaf Knutsen, behind .
During the weekend, the crew members who were not taken were reunited with their families in Manila, Philippines.
The office manager together with colleagues from the crewing agency in the Philippines, waited at the Manila airport to receive them. They have been together at a hotel for medical examination and debriefing.
MV Bonita left Cotonou, Benin, Thursday last week, with a new crew on board.
Source: JJ Ugland Companies
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