A Liberian-flagged oil tanker, MT Smyrin, with 11 Indians, 14 Filipinos and a Romanian, was hijacked by Somali pirates on Wednesday off Oman’s coast from the Arabian Sea.
“This directorate has received information that MT Smyrin, was hijacked by Somali pirates on May 10. The subject vessel is a loaded crude oil tanker with a multinational crew of 26 of which 11 are Indians (including Master), 14 Filipinos and one Romanian,” reads the statement issued by the directorate-general of shipping.
The hijacked vessel was on its way to Somali to deliver the cargo of 1,35,000 tonnes of oil. Incidentally, this was the second voyage of the vessel; the first time it sailed was in 2011.
“On receipt of the information of the hijack, vessel’s managers and recruiting agent M/s Dynacom Tankers Management Ltd., Mumbai have been informed to obtain information on the well being of the Indian crew,” the released media statement reads.
As per the information available with the authorities, the vessel is being taken to the Somali coast. The Liberian government is aware about the hijack, and is closely monitoring its movement.
Off late, there has been a drop in the total number of hijacking incidents by the Somali pirates.
As per the latest update available with the International Maritime Organisation, 17 ships with around 300 sailors aboard, have been held hostage by the Somali pirates at various locations of Gulf of Aden.