Nigerian pirates have released eight crewmembers after they were kidnapped from the German-owned general cargo ship BBC Caribbean off the coast of Nigeria last month, the Russian embassy has confirmed, Russian news agencies report.
The seven Russians and one Ukrainian sailors were captured while in Nigeria’s territorial waters on February 5. According to the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre the attack took place about 31 nautical miles from the Bayelsa coast, in the heart Niger Delta region.
At least three other crew members managed to avoid being kidnapped by hiding aboard the ship, and later they were able to steer the vessel away from coast and to a safe port. The Ukrainian sailor is said to have been released.
As far as the other seven Russian sailors are concerned, they had been released and have already left Nigeria for Russia, the Russian embassy confirms. Moreover, their health was reported as “satisfactory”.
The embassy also said that the Russian diplomats were in close contact with the owner of the BBC Caribbean and Nigerian law enforcement, as well as with the hostages, throughout the ordeal.
It is not clear yet if a ransom was paid for the release of the seafarers.
