Somali pirates try to re-capture MT Stolt Strength

MANILA, Philippines - While on their way to safer waters, the all-Filipino crew of the recently freed MT Stolt Strength escaped another hijacking by pirates, a maritime official said.

If it weren’t for the Chinese navy frigate Huangshan, which escorted the chemical tanker, the 23 Filipino seafarers might have been kidnapped again by pirates, said Administrator Elena Bautista of the Maritime Industry Authority.

“There was a mother ship and another vessel," Bautista said, “They were able to reach the Stolt Strength’s flanks but because of the decisive act of the Chinese they drove the pirates away after immediately deploying choppers."

The Chinese navy ship has become a Good Samaritan to the stranded MT Stolt Strength since Sunday, providing it with security, food and medical supplies. [See: Chinese navy plays Good Samaritan to RP vessel]

As of 7:20 a.m. (Manila time), the Stolt Strength safely reached their port of destination in Salalah, Oman.

“Together with their families and loved ones in the Philippines, we look forward to welcoming them back to Manila few days from now. Please be assured that they are safe and sound," Bautista said.

On April 21, pirates released 23 Filipino seafarers on board the MT Stolt Strength, which was hijacked last Nov. 10. Shipowners refused to say whether ransom was paid for the release of the ship and crew.

Bautista said the government is already making all the necessary arrangements for the crew’s immediate repatriation to the Philippines.

The Philippines is the world’s leading supplier of crew, with over 350,000 sailors manning oil tankers, luxury liners and passenger vessels worldwide, exposing them to piracy attacks.

Despite the risks, private companies still see the seas surrounding the Horn of Africa as a cost-effective means for moving goods with as many as 20,000 ships traveling these waters annually.

At present, 81 Filipino seafarers (76 as of GMANews.TV’s count) remain in the hands of pirates. [See: Number of Pinoys held in Somalia yo-yos to 81 as pirates capture, release ships]

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