Copenhagen – A Danish shipping company Thursday expressed regret that a six-man crew abducted from one of its vessels was still held hostage a year later, adding that negotiations with the alleged Somali pirates so far had been ‘fruitless.’
‘Unfortunately, the negotiations have been fruitless up until now due to the pirates’ unrealistic demand for ransom, which Shipcraft unfortunately is not in a position to meet,’ Claus Bech, chief executive of the shipping company, said.
The crew comprised two Danish nationals, including the captain, and four Filipinos.
Some Danish media reports have suggested that the pirates have demanded 6 million dollars per crew member.
‘Negotiations have been hampered by the fact that our crew has been removed from the vessel and is held hostage ashore – as opposed to pirates’ normal operating procedure,’ Bech added.
The statement was issued on the anniversary of the abduction.
The 67 metre-long vessel, the Leopard, was attacked off the coast of Oman and later found abandoned when it was boarded by Turkish military personnel taking part in international efforts to patrol sea lanes off the Horn of Afica.
Another Danish vessel, the Danica White, was held by pirates for 83 days in 2007.
This article was posted by Neptune Maritime Security via monstersandcritics.com. MaritimeSecurity.Asia in cooperation with www.neptunemaritimesecurity.com
