Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi (SP)

New Delhi, Jun 20: The ordeal of the crew of the Egyptian merchant vessel, M V Suez, continues even after they were released from the clutches of Somali pirates after paying a ransom of $2.3 million. The 18 crew members of the ill-fated ship that has since been abandoned includes six sailors from India.

The crew faced another nightmare while leaving after being released. They were almost at the verge of getting hijacked by a gang of pirates. The crew has been rescued, and provided shelter, medical attention and food in P N S Babur of Pakistan Navy. The vessel, M V Suez, had to be abandoned for want of fuel, after the efforts of a tug boat to lead it to the shore failed because of inclement weather. The vessel had started to sink due to storm and rough sea, after running out of fuel while heading to Salalah, a port in Oman. The crew’s distress call was picked by Pakistani Navy ship. Pakistan’s Navy chief, Admiral Norman Bashir, gave his nod to rescue the crew and pick them up in the Navy’s frigate, PNS Babur. The frigate was escorting the troubled vessel to safety at the time.

Ansar Burney, a social worker from Pakistan, expressed optimism that the crew of the troubled vessel will be able to reach their homes in a couple of days. Burney, who had taken active role in the release of the crew, said that the crew will be sent to their homes once the ship reaches Karachi in two or three days. He added that the people will be brought to Karachi by PNS Zulfiqar, after shifting them from PNS Babur. He also said that the crew members are enjoying good health, and that they will be sent through flights immediately after their arrival in Pakistan.

One of the sailors, Ravinder Singh, said that their travel and other needs are being taken care of by Ansar Burney, and expressed relief at the prospects of reaching his family in a couple of days after months of unending agony.