MV Abdullah reaches Al Hamriyah Port in Dubai

The Bangladesh-flagged vessel MV Abdullah, released by Somali pirates on 14 April reportedly after a payment of $5 million ransom, reached the Al Hamriyah Port in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), safely on Sunday afternoon.

The bulk carrier belongs to SR Shipping Ltd, a concern of Kabir Group.

Mehrul Karim, chief executive officer (CEO) of SR Shipping, said the vessel dropped its anchor at the port’s anchorage area around 4:30pm (Bangladesh time). It is now awaiting permission for berthing, he added.

On 12 March, the vessel was hijacked with its 23 Bangladeshi crew members on board by armed Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean. The bulk carrier was heading to the Al Hamriyah Port from Maputo Port in Mozambique, carrying 55,000 tonnes of thermal coal.

On 5 December 2010, Somali pirates seized another Bangladeshi vessel, MV Jahan Moni, which belonged to the same company. After enduring 99 days in captivity, the pirates eventually released the vessel, along with its 25 crew members and the wife of the chief engineer, Matiul Mawla.

The crew members finally returned to Chattogram on 21 March 2011, bringing an end to the uncertainty that had plagued their loved ones for months.