Crisis at Sea: Bangladesh-Flagged Bulk Carrier Abdullah Hijacked by Pirates
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In a shocking turn of events, the Indian Ocean witnessed the harrowing hijacking of the Bangladesh-flagged bulk carrier, MV Abdullah, on Tuesday, by suspected Somali pirates.
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MV Abdullah, earlier known as Golden Hawk, was bought by KSRM group last year. Its a 5 hold, 50000 Metric tons Bulk carrier
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The vessel, laden with coal and manned by 23 crew members, fell victim to armed assailants some 600 nautical miles east of Mogadishu, Somalia's capital.
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The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations( UKMTO) received distress signals from the ship's' company security officer,' indicating that armed individuals had seized control of the vessel.
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Reports from maritime security specialist Ambrey detailed the operation, executed from two vessels - one small, one large.
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Amidst the chaos, Atiq Ullah Khan, the chief officer of MV Abdullah, managed to send an audio message to his wife, revealing the dire situation.
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Bangladeshi media disclosed that the pirates threatened to execute the crew unless ransom demands were met promptly.
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Trapped in a cabin with 22 armed pirates, Khan communicated to his mother the grave circumstances, with the vessel en route to Somalia, a daunting two and a half days away.
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The vessel, built in 2015, belonged to SR Shipping, a part of the Kabir Steel Re-Rolling Mills( KSRM) Group, embarking on a journey from Maputo, Mozambique, destined for Hamriya, UAE.
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Prior observations by Ambrey noted deviations in the vessel's course, with subsequent advisories urging ships to steer clear.
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Despite the alarming situation, the latest UKMTO update provided a glimmer of hope, confirming the crew's physical safety while acknowledging the presence of 22 unauthorized armed individuals onboard.
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The resurgence of piracy, dormant for years, has once again reared its head, with recent incidents highlighting the maritime perils in the region.
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Notably, this hijacking adds to a string of attacks, including the recent hijack of a fishing dhow and the armed seizure of the Liberian-flagged capesize Lila Norfolk.
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The maritime community remains on high alert, with heightened vigilance urged in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin.
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In response to the crisis, the global maritime community mobilizes efforts to address piracy's resurgence, emphasizing the importance of coordinated action to safeguard vessels and their crews navigating these perilous waters.
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As stakeholders grapple with the unfolding crisis, the fate of MV Abdullah and its Crew members now depends on the soonest action taken by her owner and the international shipping community to arrange and negotiate the ransom.
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