Ransom Talks Begin To Free 44 Crew Held Captive By Somali Pirates Across 3 Hijacked Ships

Ransom talks are currently ongoing to ensure the safe release of the 44 crew members of the 3 ships held by Somali pirates.

The three oil tankers Honour 25 and Eureka, and cargo ship Sward, were hijacked in separate incidents between April and May off Somalia and the Gulf of Aden, according to an IMO Report.

The negotiations between countries where the ships are registered, their shipowners, and the pirates are happening confidentially for the safety of the crew, said Vijay D. Chafekar, executive director of the ReCAAP (Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia) Information Sharing Centre.

He also added that the attacks on merchant vessels in the Indian Ocean had risen since the war between the U.S and Iran began, with the focal point being the Strait of Hormuz.

On many occasions, security personnel on board ships had to open fire to prevent pirates in skiffs and boats from boarding the vessel.

Many shipping companies are avoiding piracy-prone waters and the Gulf, which has led to an increase in freight rates and higher remuneration for seafarers willing to sail through the region.

He also mentioned that piracy levels in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore are currently low despite increased ship crossings.

According to the ReCAAP ISC, 35 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships were reported in Asia between January and June this year, compared to 96 incidents during the same period last year.