On 25 December, pirates released nine seafarers who had been kidnapped earlier near Equatorial Guinea. Two of those released are Ukrainian nationals, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry said.
The crew members were kidnapped on December 3 from the LPG tanker CGAS Saturn. The pirates attacked the Portuguese-flagged vessel about 50 nautical miles off Mbini. During the raid, the attackers stole personal belongings and took nine hostages.
Four crew members remained on the ship after the attack. One sailor suffered minor injuries but received medical care on board. The remaining crew later sailed the vessel to a safe port in West Africa.
The shipowner, Christiania Gas, and its representatives worked actively to secure the release of the hostages. Ukrainian diplomats in Senegal also provided direct assistance during the negotiations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine expressed gratitude to everyone involved in the successful operation.
All former hostages are currently undergoing repatriation to their home countries.
