However, the pirates are yet to release seven crew members, though a multi-million dollar ransom was paid by the shipping company on April 15. The ship was hijacked from near Tanzania when it was headed from South Africa to Kenya.
After being released by the sea bandits, the eight crew members were escorted to Mombasa in Kenya by the Indian naval ship and from there, they were flown to Mumbai on Sunday morning. "It is a wonderful feeling to be back home and to be away from the pirates under whom we suffered since last September. While it is overwhelming to be reunited with our families, we remain deeply concerned that seven of our colleagues and friends are still in the clasp of the criminal gang. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them and their families in this harrowing time," said Ramesh Singh, the master of ship, Asphalt Venture, in a statement. From Mumbai, the crew members, some of whom hail from Gujarat and some from the south, will head for their hometowns.
The company that owns the ship declined to talk to the media fearing that it might put the captive members' safety at stake. "The pirates read everything that is printed in newspapers and we do not want to say anything that might jeopardize the safety of our colleagues," Singh said. "The company, owners and managers are working hard to secure safe and speedy release of the seven shipmates. We also appeal to the Government of India to take a leading role in the rescue act." as this is now a national issue with our colleagues and many other Indian sailors still in captivity."
The pirates are refusing to release the remaining crew members as they reportedly want the Indian authorities to set free the pirates they have in their custody. After the Indian maritime forces launched a drive to curb the terror unleashed by the sea bandits, more than 100 pirates were arrested. Director general of shipping Satish B Agnihotri, said, "Officials of Indian agencies have spoken to the freed crew members. It's necessary to understand the events leading up to their release. It will also help us understand why the pirates went back on the promise to release all the hostages."
Sept 28, 2010: Asphalt Ventures hijacked when it is on its way from South Africa to Kenya, near southeast of Dar-es-Salaam. April 15, 2011: The shipping company pays multi-million dollar ransom and 8 crew members are released. 7 still held hostage
