New Delhi/Mangaluru: A ship with 22 Indian nationals on board, that went missing on Saturday in Africa, has been released, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Tuesday.
“I am happy to inform that merchant ship Marine Express with 22 Indian nationals on board has been released,” Sushma Swaraj tweeted.
She also thanked the governments of Nigeria and Benin for their help and support in the efforts to rescue the Indians.
The ship, an oil tanker owned by Mumbai-based Anglo Eastern shipping company, went missing off the coast of Benin in the Gulf of Guinea on Saturday.
The Indian Mission in Abuja, Nigeria, was in touch with the authorities in Benin and Nigeria for their help in locating the ship.
On Monday, Sushma Swaraj also spoke to the Nigerian Foreign Minister who promised all help and assistance in locating the missing ship.
Sri Unni (25), a resident of Uduma Perale was among the 22 indians in the hijacked tanker. The pirates had cut off the communication links and the authorities were unable to get any information on the missing crew and support staff.