Hijacked Indonesia tug boat freed, kidnapped crew still held hostage

The hijacked Indonesian tug Brahma 12 has been released and is now being held by the Philippine authorities, according to the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But the Indonesian-flagged barge, the Anand 12, with its 10 crew members are still being held by the hijackers, with their whereabouts still unknown. The crew members were kidnapped on Saturday following the hijacking of the two vessels in the Philippine waters.

The ships were attacked during their voyage from Sungai Puting, South Kalimatan to Batangas, South Philippines, the ministry confirmed, adding that the barge was carrying some 7,000 tons of coal.

The ministry said that it had received the information on the hijackings on Monday and that it had been in communication with owners.

“During the phone conversation with the ship owners, the hijackers/hostage takers demanded ransom money. Since March 26th, those responsible have contacted the ship owners twice,” the ministry said in a statement.

The ransom was reportedly set at 50 million pessos (USD 1.07 million).

According to the ministry, the parties are working on the release of the kidnapped crew, whose safety has been given “top priority” by the Indonesian government.

 



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