MPHRP Welcomes Release of Crew of Iceberg 1 - 24 December 2012
The Maritime Piracy Humanitarian Response Programme (MPHRP) and its partners in the industry-wide coalition established to assist seafarers and their families with the humanitarian aspects of piracy incidents have welcomed the news of the release of the 22 crew members on the Iceberg 1 after 1000 days in captivity in Somalia.
“We are greatly relieved to hear that they are safe after their terrible ordeal” said Peter Swift, Chairman of MPHRP, “and to hear that that they will soon be returning to their homes. It has also been wonderful to hear the expressions of joy and happiness from their families as the news of their release reached them. We are of course grateful to all those who have played a part in their rescue and are making the arrangements for their medical and other check-ups and their repatriation. Now we hope that both public and private organisations will work to ensure that the released hostages, as well as their families, receive all the necessary support and assistance they will require both immediately and longer term as they recover from the trauma and deprivation that they have suffered since being kidnapped on 29 March 2010.”
“While we are overjoyed at the release of these 22 seafarers we must not forget that 2 of their colleagues died during their captivity on Iceberg 1 and our thoughts are equally with the families of those who have not returned. Similarly our thoughts and prayers are with the more than 140 seafarers and fishermen still held hostage on other ships and ashore in Somalia and call on all parties to do all within their power to hasten their release and safe return.”
MPHRP was established in September 2011 by a cross industry group of 27 partners with one aim. "to assist seafarers and their families with the humanitarian aspects of a traumatic incident caused by a piracy attack, armed robbery or being taken hostage". It has produced guides and training for the maritime industry and has representatives in India, Philippines and Ukraine.
Roy Paul, Programme Director of MPHRP added “ The news of their release is a great Christmas and holiday present for the families of these seafarers who have had an horrific ordeal for the past 1000 days. MPHRP staff along with its industry and welfare partners has tried to offer what support they could and we now will look at offering to support the national authorities and our network of responders to provide both immediate and on-going care.”
Released by MPHRP see www.mphrp.org
Roy Paul 07917735042 roypaul@mphrp.org
Peter Swift 07753573760 peterswift@mphrp.org
Editorial Notes:
The Maritime Piracy Humanitarian Response Programme (“MPHRP”) is a pan-industry alliance of ship owners, managers, manning agents, insurers, maritime unions, professional and welfare associations working together with governmental organisations with one aim, namely: -
"to assist seafarers and their families with the humanitarian aspects of a traumatic incident caused by a piracy attack, armed robbery or being taken hostage"
10th Floor, Cygnet House, 12-14 Sydenham Road, Croydon CR0 2EE, UK Tel: 00800 7323 2737, e-mail: response@mphrp.org
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