Hong Kong-managed tanker released after being hijacked by pirates, company reveals
The vessel – Marine Express – was handed back in the early hours of Tuesday, shipping firm Anglo-Eastern said, adding that all crew members were safe and no cargo was stolen
A Hong Kong-managed oil tanker carrying 22 Indian crew and a cargo of 13,500 tonnes of petrol was hijacked by pirates off the coast of West Africa last week, the shipping company revealed after the vessel was released.
The tanker – Marine Express – was released in the early hours of Tuesday, said Hong Kong-based Anglo-Eastern, adding that all crew members were safe and no cargo was stolen.
Hong Kong-managed tanker with Indian crew of 22 goes missing in pirate-infested African waters
“We are delighted to report that the oil products tanker ‘Marine Express’, which was the subject of a pirate attack and seizure in the Gulf of Guinea on February 1, is now back under the command of the captain and crew,” the company said on its Facebook page at about 10.30am on Tuesday.
“Full control of the vessel was resumed at approximately 04:00 Singapore time today.”
It said a complete investigation would be carried out into the hijacking.
“We wish to express our gratitude to the captain and crew of the vessel and their families for their courage and fortitude in dealing with this difficult situation, as well as to all of the authorities and agencies involved,” Anglo-Eastern said.
The company said all the families of crew members have been advised of the situation. “We thank everyone for their concern and well-wishes over these past few days,” it said.