Lankan crew safe, talks imminent

by Manjula Fernando

The London Managers of the Bermuda flagged MV ‘Talca’ is awaiting a signal from the Somali pirates to begin negotiations for the release of its 22 crew including 20 Sri Lankans, Managing Director, ALF Shipping Private Ltd, the local agents of the ship, Mrs. A. Silva told Sunday Observer yesterday.

She said the pirates have not yet put forward any demands of a ransom but the vessels’ captain, a Sri Lankan was able to speak to her on Friday and assure that the 20 Sri Lankans and the two Philipino and Syrian officers were all safe.The Reefer (refrigerated cargo vessel) had been transporting a consignment of citrus from Egypt to Iran when it was seized by the Somalian pirates on March 23 off the coast of Oman. It has now in Somalian waters.

The Sri Lankan crew consist of the ship’s captain who had been with the company for over 20 years, chief engineer, third engineer, fourth engineer, electrical officer, second and third officers, head of ratings, three able seamen, one ordinary seaman, the cook, steward, fitter and two trainees. Except the captain who is over 50 years of age and the other crew members are in their thirties.“When I heard about the hijacking of our vessel, I contacted the Foreign Ministry. The Ministry took action to inform the authorities concerned, she said.