Mohamad-Y

On Jan 30, 2021, Nigerian pirates released six Ukrainian crew members of the 'Stevia', according to the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky. They had been held in pirate captivity in Nigeria for 1,5 months. They were safe and waiting for their repariation. Zelensky thanked the Ukrainian diplomats who negotiated to return the prisoners to their homeland. The 'SteviaÄ was attacked by pirates in the Gulf of Guinea near the coast of Nigeria in Dec 2020. Pirates kidnapped eight crew members. Among the eight hostages, six are Ukrainians (captain, chief mate, 2nd mate, chief mech, electrician and viper). The vessel was en route from southern Nigeria to Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire when it was attacked.

The 'Stevia' was attacked and boarded by pirates early on Dec 16, 2020, in the Gulf of Guinea in pos. 03° 50N 006°09E southwest of Port Harcourt. Eight crew members were kidnapped. The ship resumed sailing at around 07.30 a.m. at a reduced speed, was adrift at 11 a.m., waiting for assistance. The ship was trading is Gulf of Guinea waters since October. At the time of attack she was en route from Port Harcourt to Abijan with an ETA as of Dec 20.