Pirates released the crew after 28 days of captivity
Roy Paul, MPHRP Programme Director, and Chirag Bahri, MPHRP Regional Director for South Asia, met with 2 Indian officers of the MT Matrix along with the crewing manager in Mumbai on 19th November 2013.
MT Matrix was earlier boarded by Nigerian pirates on 9th October 2013 who abducted 4 Indian senior officers including the Master. The crew were later released after an undisclosed ransom payment was paid by the operators and a deal was stuck with the Nigerian pirates after 28 days of captivity.
Captain Sandeep, Manager, Oceanic Shipping, led the negotiations on behalf of the company and was in regular touch with Chirag Bahri (MPHRP) during the ordeal period. Captain Sandeep said, “It was indeed a very difficult phase for the company, the crew and their families. We are thankful to MPHRP for their very important support to us.”
Chirag Bahri said, “MPHRP welcomes the release and safe homecoming of all 4 Indian crew members of MT Matrix. We were able to reassure the family members and advised them on the best practices that they should follow during this period. We also shared the MPHRP Good Practice Guide with the company managers and appreciate their response to the crisis situation.”
Source : MPHRP
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About MPHRP The Maritime Piracy Humanitarian Response Fund (MPHRF) is for the MPHRP or other welfare organisations to provide assistance to seafarers and/or their immediate family to provide immediate, essential aid to seafarers and families of seafarers, who are directly affected by piracy and armed robbery. Visit official website athttp://www.mphrp.org |
