Pirates Release Kidnapped Indian Crew of MV Duke, 1 Dead

Abiola Seun

The 19 crew of an oil vessel MV Duke attacked by pirates in the Gulf of Guinea on December 15th, 2019 have been released by their abductors.

However, in a statement issued by Union Maritime Ltd, and V. Ships Management (India) PvT, Ltd Owners and Managers respectively, one of the crew was dead.

Recall that the MV Duke was attacked in vicinity 04 00N 002 05E, 130 nm SE of Lome Togo, at 0800 UTC Dec 15th, 2019 while en route from Luanda to Lome. Reportedly only one crew avoided pirates, the rest were kidnapped.

The statement issued Sunday, January 19th by the managers of the crew stated, “Following the attack on tanker DUKE and abduction of 20 crew members on December 15, we can confirm that 19 of the crew members taken hostage were today released by the criminal gang holding them. It is with great regret that we have to report that one valued crew member, an Able Seaman, was evidently taken ill and died shortly after capture.

“We are seeking further information from those crew members that have been released and a full investigation will be held into the AB demise.

“All our sympathies and condolences go out to next of kin, family, and friends at this tragic time. The AB’s immediate family have been informed and are being supported.

“All the crew who have been released have undergone medical checks and are reported to be well, given the circumstances of their ordeal.

“They will be debriefed by the local authorities and then return home to their families with all possible speed where they will continue to receive our full support and counseling”.