Nigerian pirates have released a crew of five who were snatched from a tanker last December, according to agency reports.
The tanker operator, Medallion Marine, said that the crew – taken from the 7,600-deadweight SP Brussels (built 2007) in the Niger Delta –have been returned in good health.
“Following medical examinations, the crew members have now been flown home in order to be reunited with their families,” a statement issued on behalf of the operator said.
The men were kidnapped as the heavily-armed pirates boarded and ransacked the tanker in the Niger Delta.
“Medallion Marine wishes to express their admiration for the crew and their families who have shown great courage and fortitude throughout this very difficult situation,” it said.
The incident in December came only 24 hours after four Hyundai Heavy Industries employees were taken from a crewboat off Bayelsa State.
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