The behaviour of the Somali pirates towards hostage sailors of MV Abdullah, which was kidnapped in the Indian Ocean with 23 crew members, has changed following progress in negotiations for a settlement with the owners.
About 19 days have passed since being held captive by pirates, during which the pirates have made contact with the ship's owners.
Officials say that the pirates are satisfied with the negotiations over the ransom, and have allowed the sailors to stay in their cabins and work from Wednesday.
The fear of running out of food has also dissipated. The pirates have stopped dividing the sailors' food and are now bringing goats and sheep from the coast to feed them. However, the shortage of clean water has not yet been resolved. Water is being rationed for use, said Captain Atiq U Khan of a sea-bound commercial ship.
Kabir Group Media Advisor Mizanur Islam said: "All the sailors of the MV Abdullah are healthy. The pirates are not treating them badly. We are in regular contact with the sailors. There is progress in the discussions with the pirates. We are working towards the goal of bringing the captive sailors back to the country before Eid."
Captain Atiq Khan said in an audio message: "The pirates have stopped dividing the food among the sailors. Now the pirates are bringing goats and sheep from the coast. This will extend the food supply for some more days. However, there is a water crisis. The fresh water supply on the ship is being rationed in fear of running out quickly. Fresh water lines are turned on every few days, but only for 1/2 hour at a time. While fresh water is available for food, sea water is being used for other purposes."
Meanwhile, another Kabir Group official said: “They have completed all preparations to free the sailors from the pirates. After being freed, 23 sailors will be brought back to the country by air. A new team of 23 people will be assigned to the coal-laden ship to take it from Somalia to Dubai. The ship owner has already prepared the new team of 23 sailors.”
SR Shipping sources said: “The MV Abdullah ship is carrying about 55,000 tons of coal. The ship started its journey from the port of Maputo in Mozambique on March 4. It was supposed to reach the Hamriyah port in the UAE on March 19. However, the ship was captured by pirates in the Indian Ocean around 1:30pm on March 12.