What Crew Members Say About Sinoway-Lily

After a harrowing month in captivity, the 12 crew members of the cargo vessel 'Glarus' have finally been liberated from their captors. The sailors, hailing from various nations including the Philippines, Croatia, Bosnia, Slovenia, Ukraine, and Romania, were subjected to a distressing ordeal at the hands of pirates. Following their release, they underwent essential medical evaluations to ensure their wellbeing before being safely repatriated to their home countries. Details regarding any ransom payments remain undisclosed, leaving questions lingering about the circumstances of their release.

On September 25, 2023, Massoel Shipping, a Switzerland-based maritime firm, announced that they have initiated communication with the captors of the twelve crew members taken hostage from their vessel, the 'Glarus'. Reports indicate that the abducted crew are together and remain in good spirits amid the situation. Massoel Shipping is actively maintaining dialogue with the families of the hostages, ensuring they are updated on the latest developments. The company's primary focus remains on securing the safe release of all those involved. In the aftermath of the incident, the 'Glarus' has reached safety at Port Harcourt, where the remaining seven crew members are currently stationed on board.

The Nigerian Maritime Academy has initiated a focused search and rescue operation for the 12 crew members abducted from the MV Glarus, which was hijacked off Bonny Island in Rivers State on September 22, 2018. The vessel, en route to Port Harcourt with a cargo of wheat, fell victim to an assault when intruders accessed the ship using long ladders, bypassing the razor wire on deck. This incident took place approximately 45 nautical miles from Bonny Island in the Niger Delta region, where the assailants also compromised the vessel’s communication systems. The kidnapped crew comprises seven Filipinos along with one national each from Slovenia, Ukraine, Romania, Croatia, and Bosnia. On September 24, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), confirmed that the agency is collaborating closely with the Forward Operating Base and the Falcon Eye unit of the Nigerian Navy, along with other security entities, to secure the release of the crew members. The Nigerian Navy has launched an investigation aimed at facilitating the safe recovery of the 12 abducted crew members.