Tanker pirate hostages named
British hostages aboard tanker hijacked by Somali pirates named
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Wednesday, 19, Nov 2008 08:37
The two British hostages onboard the Sirius Star tanker that was hijacked in the Indian Ocean by pirates on Monday have now been named.
Peter French, from County Durham, and James Grady, from Strathclyde in Scotland, were part of the 25-strong crew aboard the two-million barrel tanker when it was seized around 420 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia.
It was subsequently sailed north to the pirate stronghold of Eyl in northern Puntland - a lawless area of the African state - yesterday.
“The families of Peter French, from County Durham, and James Grady, from Strathclyde, greatly appreciate the concern that has been expressed by people throughout the UK and beyond, about Peter and James," a statement read.
"They hope that Peter and James will be home safely to their families very soon.”
The tanker's owner, Vela International Marine, have previously stated that all 25 crew members, including the two Britons, are believed to be safe.
"Our first and foremost priority is ensuring the safety of the crew," Vela president Salah Ka'aki said.
"We are in communication with their families and are working toward their safe and speedy return."
Negotiations are currently underway with the pirates and a statement released by Vela yesterday said it was "awaiting further contact" from the pirates in control of the ship.
Over 60 vessels have been attacked by pirates so far this year, as the problem of lawlessness off the Horn of Africa continues to pose security problems for vessels travelling through the Suez canal.
The number of successful piracy attacks has been reduced from 53 per cent in August to 31 per cent in October, but the problem remains a headache for the combined maritime forces currently operating in the region.
"The sea is the lifeblood of our global economy, and it is appropriate the coalition, Nato and other international partners work together to address this problem," Royal Navy commodore Tim Lowe said.
"The reduction in the rate of successful piracy attempts shows that the coalition's efforts to deter and disrupt piracy while supporting the shipping industry as they implement appropriate self-protection measures is working."