SOURCE: AFI
The plight of the MV Abdullah, a Bangladeshi cargo ship hijacked by Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean, continues with no immediate resolution in sight.
Both the Bangladesh government and the ship’s owner have rejected an offer from the European Union (EU) and the Indian Navy to assist in operations onboard the vessel. This leaves negotiations with the pirates as the primary course of action for securing the safe return of the 23 crew members.
The ship owner is reportedly in regular contact with the pirates, and ransom negotiations are underway. However, details regarding the ransom amount remain confidential.
Despite the lack of a definitive solution, there is a glimmer of hope. Captain Sakhawat Hossain, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Merchant Marine Officers Association, has confirmed that all crew members are currently in good health. Several sailors were even able to contact their families on Thursday, and communication channels with the ship owner remain open.