Kasargod : Two persons from Kasargod who were  among the  several crew members of a cargo vessel which  had been held captive by pirates near the West African coast, have been released along with the rest of the crew. The news has brought relief and respite to the family members of the two who had spent tensed days.

Vasanth Kumar (30) of Melparamba and Babu (34)  of Palakunnu Uduma worked for MV Cotton, a Maltese flagged chemical tanker  which was seized by the pirates  off the coast of Gabon  to get the oil in the vessel.

On July 22, Monday morning the family of the two received  information from V Ships, the crew manager for the vessel from Mumbai that all crew members have been released and are safe.It is learnt, the vessel was released at Togo in West Africa.

Vasanth Kumar had joined MV Cotton seven months ago and is married to Priya. He has a daughter. Babu who is shipping since 13 years too is married and has a daughter.