(a) whether the Government is aware of abduction of 17 Indians
by the Somalian pirates;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to ensure the
safety of their lives as well as for securing their early release
and also to prevent such incidents in future?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI E. AHAMED)
(a) & (b) Yes. M.V. Royal Grace of Panama flag owned by M/s. Snow
Whyte Energy Limited, Nigeria was reportedly hijacked by Somali Pirates
on March 2, 2012, which had total 22 crew members, including 17 Indians,
on board.
(c) Government is making all efforts through the concerned Ministries,
agencies and our Missions abroad to pursue with the ship owners and others
concerned to make efforts for early release of the Indian seafarers in
captivity. Government has also constituted an inter-Ministerial Group to
deal with any hostage situation arising out of hijacking at sea of merchant
vessels with Indian crew on board.
Government has taken a number of measures to combat piracy, which include,
providing naval escort to the ships in the Gulf of Aden, patrolling by naval
ships in the piracy affected areas, coordination with navies of other
countries, and through various multi-lateral, bilateral and multi-national
initiatives.