New Delhi (NVI): Nineteen Indians, who were kidnapped last month by pirates off the western coast of Africa have been released, while one died in captivity, according to the India Mission in Nigeria.
“Indian Govt & Mission gave highest priority and worked with @NigeriaGov on release of 20 Indian seafarers kidnapped on 15 Dec from MV Duke. 19 were released yesterday. One sadly died in captivity in adverse conditions. Our deepest condolences. Mission assisting in speedy return,” the High Commission of India in Abuja said in a tweet today.
Twenty Indian seafarers were kidnapped by the pirates from a commercial vessel (MV Duke) on December 15. One of them died in captivity due to adverse conditions.
The incident happened 10 days after 18 Indians on board a Hong Kong-flagged vessel were kidnapped by pirates near the Nigerian coast.
After the incident last month, the Indian mission in Abuja had taken up the matter with the Nigerian authorities and also with the authorities of the neighboring countries.
