Uduma: Two Malayalis among the 10 crew members were reportedly taken hostage by sea pirates in Africa. Relatives have received information about the incident. The abducted crew members are Rajeendran Bhargavan (35) from Gopalpetta in Kasaragod, another unidentified Malayali, five others from various Indian states and three foreign nationals. 

Rajeendran’s family is currently residing at Ambangad in Kasaragod’s Panayal .

The cargo ship, which was en route from the port of Lome in Africa to Cameroon, was seized by sea pirates, who took 10 crew members hostage before abandoning the vessel. Since 11.30 pm on March 17, Rajeendran's family has been unable to contact him.

The ship belongs to the ‘Bitu River’ company, which is registered in Panama. It is managed by a Mumbai-based ‘Maritech Tanker’ for cargo transportation. On March 18, the Bitu River company informed Rajendran’s wife about the incident. 

According to Rajendran’s relative K V Sarath, the company has assured them that all crew members were safe.

Although the company remains in communication with the crew still on board, the families are deeply concerned as there has been no contact with those taken hostage. The shipping company has not provided any further information regarding the abducted crew members or any ransom demands.