Kasaragod:

They have already reached Mumbai, and after completing formal procedures, they are likely to head to their hometowns either tonight or tomorrow, according to the family of Rajendran, a native of Kasaragod, who was among those abducted.

10 Indian nationals, who were kidnapped by sea pirates off the African coast, are expected to return home soon. Families have received messages confirming that all the crew members are safe and have been released. They were freed after 28 days in captivity.

Since the incident involved piracy, the crew members are required to appear before the Directorate General of Shipping and complete necessary procedures. They also have to undergo medical checkups arranged by the company. Company officials are in touch with the families and have informed them that the crew will contact their families after completing formalities at the DG Shipping office.

Among those now in Mumbai are Rajendran from Kasaragod, Asif Ali from Minicoy (Lakshadweep), Pradeep Murukan and Satheesh Kumar Selvaraj from Tamil Nadu, Sandeep Kumar Singh from Bihar, and Sameen Javeed and Solkar Rehan Shabbir from Maharashtra.

The incident was brought to the attention of the Centre in Parliament by Kasargod MP Rajmohan Unnithan during Zero Hour. Rajendran currently resides in Kottappara, Ambangad, Panayal.

The crew members were kidnapped by sea pirates on March 17 while travelling from the Port of Lomé in western Africa to Cameroon aboard the cargo vessel MV Vultur River. Among the abducted were also three Romanian nationals. Although the ship was released, the crew members were held hostage.

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