September 20, 2024, 11:44 pm
Last Updated: [ 28 April 2024 ]
We are committed to keeping this article updated with the latest information on the MV Abdullah hijacking. Please check back for new developments as we continue to monitor the situation.
The alarming hijacking of the MV Abdullah on March 12, 2024, off the coast of Somalia, underscores the ever-present danger lurking in the waters of the Indian Ocean. This incident, involving the taking of 23 crew members hostage by Somali pirates, has not only highlighted the threats to commercial shipping but also initiated a coordinated international response. Below is an improved and detailed timeline, providing clarity on the events as they unfolded.
Depiction of Somali Pirate.
On this day, the MV Abdullah, a vessel under the Kabir Group’s SR Shipping flag, found itself in the clutches of piracy while on its journey from Mozambique to the UAE. The ship and its 23 crew members were commandeered by pirates, setting the stage for an international outcry and a swift response from global maritime security forces. The gravity of the situation was immediately recognized, leading to urgent actions to address the crisis.
By the following day, the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) had already mobilized, deploying a warship to closely monitor the MV Abdullah’s forced navigation toward the Somali coast. Despite the perilous situation, there was a silver lining as the crew was reported to be safe. On the home front, Bangladesh’s State Minister for Shipping, Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, made a public commitment to the rescue efforts, ensuring that the government was fully engaged in bringing the crew members safely back home.
Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, Minister for Shipping
The subsequent days were marked by tension and uncertainty. Initial attempts at establishing communication with the pirates proved unsuccessful, casting a shadow over the fate of the hostages. However, a breakthrough occurred on March 20 when the hijackers opened a line of communication with the vessel’s owners. Despite this development, the shadow of apprehension lingered due to the potential dangers associated with a possible rescue operation led by the Puntland Police of Somalia and the International Navy. The owners of the MV Abdullah, SR Shipping, expressed a strong preference for negotiation, prioritizing the crew’s safety over the risks of a military intervention.
The narrative took a hopeful turn on March 21. The vigilant eyes of the EUNAVFOR were ever-present, as evidenced by a helicopter patrol near the hijacked ship, signaling the high level of international concern and the readiness to act. The commitment of the Bangladeshi government and SR Shipping to secure a peaceful end to the crisis and ensure the crew’s safety remained unwavering, offering a ray of hope amidst the dire circumstances.
In an encouraging development, KSRM Group, the owner of the hijacked MV Abdullah, announced the initiation of informal discussions with the Somali pirates, facilitated through a third party. This strategic move towards opening formal negotiations has been a significant step forward in the crisis that has gripped international shipping lanes.
In a recent update from the ongoing saga of the MV Abdullah, held hostage by Somali pirates since March 12, there has been a unique development concerning the wellbeing of the 23 crew members. As of March 29, the pirates have provided dumbas and goats to the sailors, ensuring that food supplies remain steady amidst the crisis. This gesture, while unusual, offers some comfort regarding the crew’s immediate nutritional needs.
The information was confirmed by the ship’s owner and the Bangladesh Merchant Marine Officers Association, indicating a level of sustained communication with the hostage sailors. However, despite the provision of food, concerns have escalated regarding the availability of clean drinking water for the crew.
While the provision of food alleviates one immediate concern, the overall situation remains precarious with the crew’s health and safety continuing to hang in the balance. The international community, alongside Bangladeshi authorities, remains vigilant and hopeful for a resolution that secures the safe return of the crew without further endangerment.
As the situation with the MV Abdullah evolves, new updates indicate a mix of hope and uncertainty for the families of the 23 crew members held hostage. Negotiations with the Somali pirates have shown progress, but there remains ambiguity about the exact timing of the crew’s release.
Negotiations between the pirates holding the MV Abdullah and the shipowner, Kabir Group’s SR Shipping, are progressing. However, the sailors may not return home before the upcoming Eid festival, prolonging the anxiety for their families. Mizanul Islam, the media advisor for Kabir Group, noted that the sailors could be released at any moment, but it remains uncertain if this will happen before or after Eid. Once released, arrangements have been made to fly the sailors back to Bangladesh after completing all necessary procedures.
The emotional toll on the families has been considerable. Rima Akhtar, the wife of one of the crew members, shared her distress, noting the absence of Eid joy in their home as they await the return of her husband, Shamsuddin. The relatives maintain a slender hope that the sailors will return in time to celebrate Eid together.
Badrul Islam, Shamsuddin’s brother-in-law, mentioned that the crew is in regular contact and appears to be in good health despite the challenging circumstances. The sailors continue to perform their duties on the ship under the watchful eyes of armed pirates, who are currently in discussions with the ship owners about the situation.
In anticipation of the crew’s eventual release, Kabir Group has already prepared a new team of 23 sailors to take over responsibilities aboard the MV Abdullah. This forward planning indicates the shipowner’s confidence in a positive outcome from the ongoing negotiations.
As the negotiations potentially draw to a close, the families of the crew and the international community watch closely, hoping for a safe and swift resolution that allows the crew of MV Abdullah to return to their loved ones in time for a delayed celebration of Eid.
The MV Abdullah is set to complete its journey to safety.
After enduring 32 days in captivity, the MV Abdullah was released from pirate control on April 14, following the payment of a ransom. The ship and its crew of 23 sailors are now en route to Al Hamriya Port in Dubai, UAE, with an expected arrival time of 6pm on Sunday, April 21.
The pirates observed Eid prayer together
During their captivity, a striking moment occurred when the pirates and the crew observed Eid prayers together, a poignant reminder of shared humanity despite the dire circumstances.
SR Shipping’s CEO, Mehrul Karim, has confirmed the ship’s release and its imminent arrival in Dubai. Following the arrival, security measures, including the installation of barbed wire, have been implemented to ensure the ship’s and crew’s safety.
This episode draws parallels with a past incident involving another KSRM Group ship, the MV Jahan Mani, which was also hijacked by Somali pirates in 2010 and took 99 days to resolve.
The MV Abdullah, after its harrowing journey through hijacking and captivity, has finally docked at Al-Hamriya Port in Dubai. This significant event marks a new chapter in the ordeal of the ship and its crew. Below is a timeline of the latest developments:
On April 20, the MV Abdullah entered UAE waters and by the afternoon of April 21, the ship was anchored at the outer anchorage of Al-Hamriya Port, as confirmed by Mehrul Karim, the CEO of KSRM Group. The ship reached the port around 4:30 pm, bringing an end to the immediate crisis.
The next steps involve mooring the ship at the jetty for unloading the 55,000 tons of coal it carried. This operation marks the beginning of the normalization process for the vessel after its release from pirate control.
From the crew of 23, two sailors will be flying back to their home country directly from Dubai, while the remaining 21 will return on the same ship. The journey back for these sailors will take approximately 25-26 days, during which they will navigate back to their homeland, carrying with them the relief of freedom but also the heavy memories of their ordeal.
The ship’s arrival at Al-Hamriya Port not only signifies a physical return but also symbolizes the resilience of the crew and the international efforts that contributed to their release. As they prepare for their final return, the sailors look forward to reuniting with their families and recovering from the past month’s events.
The MV Abdullah is scheduled to return to Bangladesh in mid-May with all 23 crew members. This update follows the vessel’s release and its subsequent duties at Dubai’s Al Hamriya port.
Mehrul Karim, CEO of Kabir Group, reported that the crew is healthy and in good spirits. Following the unloading of cargo at Al Hamriya port, which includes 55,000 tonnes of coal from Mozambique, the crew plans to sail back to Bangladesh together. Their return is eagerly awaited and is seen as a significant event, symbolizing their resilience and safe recovery.
The MV Abdullah was freed from pirate control on April 14 after a ransom was paid. It arrived at Al Hamriya port on April 21, with cargo unloading operations starting the following day. The completion of these operations is expected within five days.
Leave a Reply