KERALA Tanker Released from Hijackers

Dynacom Tankers Management, the operator of the vessel “KERALA” (IMO No. 9390927), recently hijacked at Angola, Luanda Anchorage reported that on Sunday, 26 January 2014 they had re-established contact with the vessel.

All crew members are alive and accounted for, but one is wounded and all have clearly been affected by their ordeal. A large amount of cargo has been stolen.

“It quickly became apparent that we were dealing with a piracy incident and that the vessel had been hijacked. In accordance with good practice, we did not provide detailed press releases whilst the situation was unfolding, but worked alongside the relevant authorities to try to resolve the incident,” the company said in a press release.

“We would like to thank the European, North American and other international intelligence agencies who worked with us during this incident, as well as the regional and international navies who dispatched assets to monitor the pirates and provided support and assistance to us,” the company further added.

Representatives of international law enforcement and intelligence agencies that are experienced in dealing with piracy incidents will inspect the ship to gather intelligence and forensic evidence from the vessel and crew in order to try to bring to justice those that perpetrated this crime.