Stephan Kayyar
Daijiworld Media Network - Kasaragod (MS)
Kasaragod, Feb 6: Sree Unni (25), a native of Kasargod, who was among the 22 Indians onboard the tanker vessel that was hijacked off the African coast, has been released along with his fellow shipmates.
The tanker vessel MT Marine Express, which was hijacked by pirates off the coast of Benin, a West African country, has been released and all the 22 people onboard including Sree Unni (25), a resident of Perale Hittil, Uduma here are safe, as per sources in the company which owns the vessel.
His family informed that Sree Unni called his family members after release. The family which has been spending sleepless nights for the past one week is greatly relieved and is eagerly to see Unni. The family also thanked the Indian government for ensuring the safe return of the sailors.
External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj in a tweet informed about the vessel's release and thanked the governments of Nigeria and Benin for their help.
"I am happy to inform that Merchant Ship Marine Express with 22 Indian nationals on board has been released. We thank (the) governments of Nigeria and Benin for their help and support," the minister tweeted.
The vessel, which is owned by Mumbai-based Anglo-Eastern Ship Management was hijacked on February 1. It is confirmed by company sources that the vessel has reached the coast of Nigeria coast now and is expected to reach Mumbai within 10 days. Sree Unni is expected to reach his native place shortly after the vessel reaches Mumbai.