MV Abdullah: Ship owner hopeful sailors will be rescued before Eid

The owning company of the Bangladeshi cargo ship MV Abdullah, hijacked by Somali pirates on 12 March, is hopeful about securing the safe return of its 23 crew members before the upcoming Eid.

Communications between the ship's owning company SR Shipping, a subsidiary of KSRM Group, and the pirates is also said to be progressing well. 

"The pirates are allowing the crew some freedoms, including staying in their cabins, participating in ship maintenance, and even contacting their families," Mizanul Islam, spokesperson for KSRM Group, told The Business Standard. "This positive treatment indicates a potentially successful negotiation."

SR Shipping initiated unofficial communication channels in anticipation of the pirates reaching out. "Upon receiving their call, we verified their identity and commenced negotiations," Mizanul Islam explained. 

"Our priority remains a peaceful resolution to ensure the crew's safe return. We are hopeful of achieving this before Eid."

Captain Shakhawat Hossain, general secretary of the Bangladesh Merchant Marine Officers Association, confirmed the crew's wellbeing. "While these negotiations can be lengthy, we believe SR Shipping's efforts will lead to a swift resolution," he said.

On 22 March, the BBC reported that Somali police and international forces were pressuring the besieged pirates. 

Mohamed Ali Ahmed, the police commander of the Nugal region, mentioned that the ship was now near the coastal area of Jiifle. He spoke of ongoing efforts to isolate the pirates and block outside support, noting the presence of international forces at sea.

Mohamed Ali asked the pirates to surrender to Puntland or face consequences similar to those experienced by the previous ship, MV Ruen, which was seized by foreign forces and taken to other countries.

While reports of the pirates arming the ship circulated, the BBC could not confirm them.

The Nugal police chief expressed readiness to join any rescue operation for the ship and its crew. However, the ship owner refused military intervention, fearing it could jeopardise the hostages' safety.

Negotiations began after the pirates made initial contact on 20 March. The MV Abdullah, carrying 55,000 tons of coal and its 23 crew members, was hijacked on 12 March in the Indian Ocean. 

Despite the presence of EU and Indian naval forces, SR Shipping has opted against military intervention to guarantee the safety of the crew.