Bulk Cargo Vessel and 24 Filipinos Released By Somali Pirates

On Saturday, 24 Filipino seafarers aboard the hijacked cargo vessel, the MV Renuar, were released along with their vessel by Somali pirates after being held captive since December 11th, 2010. 

The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed the release of the Liberian-owner and Panama-Flagged vessel were released on the 23rd of April, and according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Liaison Officer to CMF, all of the Pinoy crewmembers are in good condition. 

DFA reported that the vessel was hijacked en route to Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates after leaving Port Louis in Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, about 550 nautical miles from the coast of India.  EUNAVFOR says that the attack was launched from 2 attack skiffs with support from a mother ship propelling small firearms and rocket powered grenades.  The crewmembers tried to evade the attack, but eventually the pirates boarded the ship and took the crew hostage.

The MV Renuar is now sailing back to Fujairah, and repatriation of the 24 Filipinos back to Manila are currently being arranged.

There are still 70 Filipino seafarers and 9 of their vessels being held captive by Somali pirates.