Families of Kidnapped Seafarers Plead for Release After Pirate Attack Off West Africa

The families of 10 seafarers who were kidnapped by pirates from the Bitu River tanker off West Africa have made a heartfelt appeal for their release. The fate of the crew remains uncertain after the vessel was hijacked by armed men eight days ago near Sao Tome and Principe. Reports indicate that shots were fired during the incident, prompting the seafarers to seek refuge in the citadel. Maritime security experts believe that up to 10 crew members may have been taken hostage.

Among the abducted crew members are seven Indians and three Romanians, including Lakshmana Pradeep Murugan, who has been serving as a second officer with the vessel’s manager, Maritec Tanker Management, for over three years. The pirates reportedly breached the citadel and ransacked the ship, stealing personal belongings such as gold, mobile phones, and a laptop. The families of the seafarers are anxiously awaiting updates on the situation, as there has been no concrete information on the whereabouts of the kidnapped crew members.

The French shipowner Rubis Energie has not issued any statements regarding the incident, which occurred as the Bitu River was en route to Douala in Cameroon from Lome in Togo. Following the attack, the vessel changed course and headed towards Gabon. Ambrey Analytics noted a significant decrease in the ship’s speed just before the boarding, indicating a possible premeditated attack by five pirates. The families are desperate for news and are pleading for the safe return of their loved ones from this harrowing ordeal.

The families of the kidnapped seafarers are enduring an agonizing wait for news on the fate of their loved ones who were taken hostage by pirates off the coast of West Africa. The crew of the Bitu River tanker, which was en route to Cameroon, was ambushed by armed men near Sao Tome and Principe, leading to a tense standoff where shots were reportedly fired. The pirates managed to breach the citadel and loot personal belongings before fleeing with 10 crew members, including seven Indians and three Romanians. Despite the distressing situation, there has been a lack of concrete updates on the whereabouts of the abducted seafarers, leaving their families in a state of anguish and uncertainty.

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