Updated on
Summary Dunya New has got first footage of MV Albedos crew who had been taken hostages by Somali pirates.
Captain of the ship has appealed President and Prime Minister for release of victims.According to footage received by Dunya TV, the hostages including captain of the ship have been kept in pitiable situation.The Citizen Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) chief had attained first footage of abductees approximately 25 days ago by the wife of the abducted captain but intentionally concealed from the media.The CPLC is handling the case since one year but it could not resolve the issue despite being provided the required amount by the government of Pakistan.That is why victims have appealed the president and prime minister to take special measures for heir release.Suspected Somali pirates seized a Malaysian freighter and its crew last year in the Indian Ocean, taking the number of hostages currently held past the 500 mark.According to sources, the MV Albedo is Malaysian-flagged and owned, with a crew of 23 (Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan and Iranian).“The vessel was carrying containers and was bound for Mombasa from Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates.” Including the Albedo, pirates are currently holding 22 vessels with 521 hostages.Piracy has long been a problem in the Indian Ocean off Somalia, where the lack of a functioning government over most of the last 15 years has allowed its vast coastline to be turned into a perfect refuge for criminal gangs.
