The 2 crew members of the Dutch reefer Water Phoenix of the Groningen shipping company Seatrade have been released. The seafarers were kidnapped by pirates while sailing off the coast of Lagos on 8 September and have been held captive since then.
This was reported by Dutch newspaper Schuttevaer. While the crew members were abducted, the company decided not to disclose any further information in order not to jeopardise their safety.
In a written statement, the company says it is relieved the two crew members have been released and are now safe. ‘Both crew members have undergone a medical check-up and are in a relatively good condition given the circumstances. They are in the process of being reunited with their loved ones.’
Seatrade also thanks the families of the seafarers, the Nigerian authorities, the Russian Embassy in Lagos, the Dutch police and all other relevant parties and advisors for their help in securing the release of the crew members.
The Water Phoenix sails under the Liberian flag. The ship had a total of eighteen crew members from Russia and the Philippines. The ship was on its way from IJmuiden to Lagos.
