Chattogram Correspondent 

The Bangladesh-flagged vessel MV Abdullah, released by Somali pirates on 14 April reportedly after a payment of $5 million ransom, is expected to reach the Al Hamriyah Port in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the evening today (21 April 2024).

Officials of the owning authority SR Shipping, a subsidiary of Kabir Group, said if everything goes well and weather permits, the vessel will reach the port anchorage area at around 6:00pm.

They said the current port position anticipates a berthing delay of 24 to 32 hours due to berthing congestion.

The berthing will also be conducted during the high tide while the port stay is expected to be four to five days upon berthing, they added.

The company Media Adviser Mizanul Islam said two of the 23 crew members on board the ship will sign off from the port and the vessel will load cargo for Chattogram from there.

The rest crew will arrive in Chattogram by the vessel, he added.

MV Abdullah was en route to the Al Hamriyah Port in Dubai on Saturday, after being released from the Somali coast. Various security measures have been implemented on board the ship to prevent any further untoward incidents.

Two warships from the European Union (EU) and the Indian Navy escorted MV Abdullah on its voyage to Dubai.

The released crews and their family members, who endured agonising uncertainty during the 32 days of captivity, are now eagerly anticipating reunification with their loved ones.

Earlier, on 12 March, the vessel was hijacked with its 23 Bangladeshi crew members on board 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 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 uncertainty that had plagued their loved ones for months.