DUKE

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Statement of V. Ships regarding abduction of tanker crew

On Jan 28 a statement was issued by V. Ships Management (India) Pvt. Ltd., the managers of the 'Duke': Following the attack on combined chemical and oil tanker Duke and abduction of 20 crew members on Dec 15, V. Ships Management (India) Pvt. Ltd, confirms that all the 19 seafarers taken and released on Jan 19, are now happily home with their families. The attack, by an armed criminal gang, which took place some 110 nautical miles off the Coast of Benin, resulted in 20 crew members of Indian Nationality being taken hostage. From the outset of the attack and abduction, Owners and Managers were totally focused on the safety and speedy return on the valued crew members. It is with great sadness, however that it must be reported that one valued seafarer became very ill during the attack and subsequent sea passage and despite receiving medical assistance, which we understand was provided by his captors, died on Dec 23, 2019. Every sympathy and condolence is sent to the family of the deceased and Managers will be providing all possible support at this difficult time. The returning crew received further medical checks and a de-briefing on their arrival in Mumbai and were in good spirits according to V. Group Executives, who participated in the Mumbai briefing to acknowledge the crew ordeal and to commit to ongoing support. Owners and Managers wish to publicly thank the crew for their courage and strength of mind over this extremely difficult period and for the fortitude of their families, who could only wait and hope. Thanks also go out to all the Authorities, Government Agencies and specialists who contributed to the release of the crew of Duke. No operational details will be provided of the release of the crew as to do so could encourage further attacks and put in danger, those seafarers who are still being held or may be abducted in future attacks. V. Ships Management (India) asks that the released crew and their families be given privacy as they are reunited and work to fully recover from this ordeal.

19 hostages released, one died during capture

Following the attack on the 'Duke' and abduction of 20 crew members on Dec 15, 2019, the U.K.-based shipowner Union Maritime has issued a statement on Jan 19, 2020, confirming that 19 of the crew members have now been released. One of them was evidently taken ill and died shortly after capture. Union Maritime said in a statement: “We are seeking further information from those crew members that have been released and a full investigation will be held into the AB’s demise.” All the crew who have been released have undergone medical checks and were reported to be well, given the circumstances of their ordeal. They will be debriefed by the local authorities and then return home to their families. The tanker was attacked as she sailed from Luanda, Angola, to Lomé, Togo. Six pirates boarded the vessel 115 miles south-east of Lomé and kidnapped all but one on board - believed to be a Nigerian national. The remaining crew of 20 Indian seafarers were kidnapped. Given that the incident occurred a significant distance offshore, the pirates are likely to have used a mothership to aid operations.

New crew on board

The 'Duke' has arrived at Lome on Dec 19, and a new relief crew went on board. There are no further updates on the 20 seafarers who were abducted off the vessel on Dec 15. Their safety, well-being and speedy release remain the absolute priority of the owners and managers who were working closely with all the relevant authorities and specialist to secure their release and return to their families. All families were being kept informed of the situation.