MT Liquid Velvet & 21 Crew Released By Somali Pirates
Original Source: Sun Star
A Greek-owned chemical tanker, with 21 Filipino sailors onboard, was released from captivity by Somali pirates earlier this month, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Friday.
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Liquid Velvet Released - Pic: Shipspotting.com
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Raul Hernandez, Foreign Affairs spokesman, said that M/T Liquid Velvetwas released on June 4 after being held captive since October 31 last year.
It was stated that the ship’s anti-piracy personnel amounted to a single unarmed security “adviser.”
The pirates originally wanted $8 million, however, reportedly settled for a much lower, said to be $4million ransom.
The Marshall Islands-flagged, Greek-owned chemical and oil tanker has a full crew of 21 Filipino sailors on board.
"The families of the crew members were already informed by the local manning agency of this development," Hernandez said.
He added that the vessel was already sailing towards Salalah in Oman.
"The DFA has instructed our Philippine embassy in Muscat to meet and extend assistance to the crew members once the vessel docks at the Port of Salalah," the official said.
Currently, there are still 45 Filipino seafarers on board five vessels being held captive by the pirates in the Gulf of Aden.
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