One of the captured Malayalis has been identified as 35-year-old Rajeendran Bhargavan from Gopalpetta in the Kasaragod district, while the identity of the other remains unknown.
Published Mar 25, 2025 | 10:19 AM ⚊ Updated Mar 25, 2025 | 11:41 AM
The ship captured by pirates. Rajeendran Bhargavan. (Supplied)
Synopsis: Two Kerala natives are among 10 crew members of a ship reportedly taken hostage by sea pirates off the African coast. The remaining hostages include five individuals from different Indian states and three foreign nationals.
Two Kerala natives are among 10 crew members of a ship reportedly taken hostage by sea pirates off the African coast, according to the family members of one of them, who received information about the incident.
One of the captured Malayalis has been identified as 35-year-old Rajeendran Bhargavan from Gopalpetta in the Kasaragod district, while the identity of the other remains unknown.
The remaining hostages include five individuals from different Indian states and three foreign nationals. Rajeendran’s family lost contact with him around 11.30 pm on 17 March.
Meanwhile, Vani, the wife of Rajeendran, wrote to the Shipping Minister of India seeking to ensure efforts for his safe release.
“The safety and lives of our loved ones are at great risk, and we seek the highest level of governmental action to bring them back home safely. I, along with my family, look forward to your urgent response and assistance in this matter,” she wrote in the letter.
The cargo vessel, which was travelling from the port of Lome in Africa to Cameroon, was hijacked by sea pirates who took ten crew members before abandoning the ship.
According to sources, the vessel is owned by Panama-registered Bitu River company and is operated by Mumbai-based Maritech Tanker for cargo transportation.
On 18 March, representatives from the company informed Rajeendran’s wife about the abduction.
Meanwhile, Congress MP Shafi Parambil wrote to External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, urging urgent intervention to secure the release of Rajeendran.
Expressing deep concern over the incident, Shafi emphasised the need for swift diplomatic efforts to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped crew. He urged the Ministry of External Affairs to take immediate steps in collaboration with international authorities to resolve the crisis.
The incident highlights the persistent threat of piracy in international waters, raising concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers working on foreign vessels.
The Indian government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the abduction.
(With inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman.)
