Eight crew members held hostage for a month following an armed attack by pirates off the coast of West Africa have been released and are on their way home safe and well according to reports from Dryad Global.
The 5,000TEU Tommi Ritscher, was attacked on 20 April, while at anchorage four miles off Benin. Eleven crew members were able to reach the citadel safely, however, a further eight crew were captured by pirates. Dryad Global believe that a lack of guards would have encouraged the attackers. Guards were reportedly removed from ships as a result of the Covid-19 crisis.
The captured crew were released on 20 May 2020 after 31 days of detention. All are in good condition, said the reports.
Nick Savvides
Managing Editor
