Chattogram Correspondent

Bangladesh-flagged vessel “MV Abdullah,” which was released by Somali pirates on Sunday reportedly after a payment of US$5 million ransom, is still crossing through the high-risk area of piracy in the Indian Ocean, amid tight security and escort by warships of the European Union (EU).

The vessel sailed through some 386 nautical miles off the Somali Coast till Tuesday morning, after being released by the Somali pirates at 3:00 am (Bangladesh Time) on Sunday.

It will take till Wednesday morning to cross the high-risk area, said Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Meherul Karim of owning authority Kabir Group’s concern SR Shipping.

“If the vessel proceeds with current speed, we expect it to reach its destination in the UAE by the morning of April 22,” he said.

“The health and mental condition of the crew members are fine while there’s sufficient stock of food and water in the vessel,” he added, quoting messages from the ship’s captain.

“MV Abdullah,” is now heading towards Al Hamriyah Port of the UAE. Different security measures have been taken onboard the ship to ward off any further untoward incidents.

Two warships of the EU’s Operation ATALANTA were escorting the “MV Abdullah” on its way to the UAE.

Besides, the razor wire has been raised while the high-pressure fire hose rigged on the deck, citadel, emergency fire pump and sound signal have been kept ready and the doors and access to all accommodation and engine room kept closed as part of precautions to prevent any more crisis like piracy again.

On 12 March, the “MV Abdullah” was hijacked with 23 Bangladeshi crew members onboard by armed Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean. The bulk carrier was heading to the Al Hamriyah Port from Maputo Port in Mozambique, carrying 55,000 tonnes of thermal coal.

On 5 December 2010, Somali pirates also seized another Bangladeshi vessel, “MV Jahan Moni”, which belonged to the same company. After enduring 99 days in captivity, the pirates eventually released the vessel, along with its 25 crew members and the wife of the chief engineer, Matiul Mawla.

The crew members finally returned to Chattogram on 21 March 2011, bringing an end to the agonising uncertainty that had plagued their loved ones for months.