Thai Crew of Prantalay 12 Released From Captivity in Somalia
MPHRP has welcomed the news that after 4 years, 10 months and 9 days held in captivity by Somali pirates the four Thai crew of the fishing vessel Prantalay 12 have been released and are on their way home.
Released Thai Seafarers Assisted by UNODC HSP & Galmadug Admin Photo: UNODC MCP
The vessel was taken on 18 April 2010 and, according to the International Maritime Bureau, at 1776 days makes them the longest held hostages. Originally there were 25 crew. Fourteen Burmese crew were released in August 2011 leaving behind eleven, but it is believed that seven have been either killed or have died through illness.
MPHRP chair Peter Swift said, "we are relieved to learn of their safe return. We are grateful to the team that has made this possible whilst putting themselves in danger. We continue to hope that the remaining 26 hostages that are still being held there will be released soon."
Roy Paul, Programme Director for MPHRP, said that, "whilst the crew were being held hostage on board their families have been held hostage at home. The owner paid some small monies to the families originally but stopped after some time. The families were sustained by MPHRP using its families' Fund (MPHRF). The Fund collected donations from MPHRP's industry partners and will continue to support the families and the crew. Anyone who wishes to support these crew members and their families and also other crew members who are affected by piracy should email fund@mphrp.org
Assistant Programme Director of MPHRP, Hennie la Grange, pointed out that the Prantalay 12 release, coming after almost 5 years, significantly occurs in the same week as the release of piracy's latest victims. Three seafarers kidnapped only three weeks ago by Nigerian pirates were released on Wednesday after an attack on a super tanker which resulted in the death of its deputy captain. Seafarers clearly continue to face the real and present danger posed by piracy.
The Prantalay 12 crew were assisted by the UN Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Hostage Release Programme and taken to Nairobi were the Thai Embassy had a medical team look after them and arranged their travel papers. The crew are expected to arrive back in Bangkok soon and will be met by Government and Industry officials and MPHRP Welfare Responders.
More stories at: www.mphrp.org
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For more details please contact Roy Paul on email: roypaul@mphrp.org or tel: +44 (0) 7917735042
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