Pirates Kidnap 20 Indians Aboard Commercial Vessel From High Seas Off Western Coast of Africa, Confirms MEA

New Delhi, December 16: In a sad incident, around 20 Indians, who were on board a commercial vessel, have been kidnapped by the pirates from the high seas off the western coast of Africa on Sunday. Soon after the reports, the Union Ministry of External Affairs informed that they have taken up the issue with the Nigerian authorities and trying to rescue the Indian sailors. It latest incident took place 10 days after 18 Indians on board a Hong Kong-flagged vessel were kidnapped by pirates near the Nigerian coast.

Informing more about the updates on the issue, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "We are concerned by the kidnapping of 20 Indian crew members (as reported by the shipping agency) from the vessel MT Duke in the high seas off the western coast of Africa on December 15." Adding more, he stated that this is third such incident in the region this year in which Indian nationals were affected. Pirates Kidnap 9 Crew Members of Norwegian Vessel in West Africa Waters, Says Port Authorities.

Here is the tweet about Indian sailors being kidnapped:

Apart from this, Kumar mentioned that the safety of hostages is paramount to the Union government and they are engaged with Nigerian authorities and other stakeholders. He said, "The safety of hostages is paramount and we continue to engage with Nigerian authorities and other stakeholders closely on the recent incidents." Kumar added that authorities of the neighbouring countries have also been consulted and informed.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 16, 2019 10:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).