crew of MV Albedo is still held hostage
Following negotiations with Somali pirates it was decided that $2.85 million would be paid in lieu of expenses borne for keeping the hostages and vessel for the past 18 months. The vessel is a Malaysian flagship whose owner Omid had committed to manage $1.25 million besides asking Pakistani community to arrange remaining $1.6 million for the release of hostages onboard the MV Albedo. The families of the Pakistani crew appealed philanthropists and dignitaries to help them raise $1.6 million and launched a massive fund collection drive through media besides door-to-door collection and personal efforts. The target of $1.6 million seemed a distant destiny but under the support of President Asif Ali Zardari, noted Pakistani philanthropists came forward and offered their full cooperation. Considering all these efforts and after final collections, the Malaysian counterpart was requested to increase their amount from $1.25 million to $1.75 million. On May 15, the Malaysian counterpart confirmed that they had arranged a sum of $1.1 million. Pakistani crew, families after getting approval of their donors immediately confirmed the amount of $1.1 million and conveyed to the Malaysian owners. The balance amount of $2.85 million after confirmation of Pakistan side of $1.1 million was the responsibility of the Malaysian side who committed that all other issues will be managed by themselves. It has now been over two weeks since the Pakistani families fulfilled their commitment. However, the Malaysian owner cannot be contacted due to his serious illness. During this time the Pakistani civil society also approached Malaysian government to learn that the vessel’s owner was also not in their contact. The families of the crew being subjected to intense pressure by the pirates are extremely worried. The pirates have been threatening of dire consequences besides subjecting the crew to hard labour under scorching sun. On the other hand, Pakistani High Commissioner in Malaysia has been in constant touch with the Malaysian government. It may be mentioned here that assurances given through diplomatic channels of Iran, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have also not been met while their contributions are still awaited. Source: Daily Times |
The crew of MV Albedo, a merchant vessel, hijacked in November 2010, is still held hostage off the coast of Somalia, due to unmet commitments of donors other than Pakistanis, it was learnt here on Monday.
