SP-Indonesia.com, Singapore – A total of 16 crew members of an Indonesian-flagged tanker were reportedly taken hostage by pirates in Somali waters. Information about this hostage situation was first known from a voice note received by the family of one of the crew members in Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi.
One of the victims’ families, Santi Sanaya (26), wife of the ship’s captain Ashari Samadikun, said the news was received in worrying conditions. In the message received, the crew was said to be under serious threat from pirates.
“If they are not bailed out, they said they would be executed tonight. Our family and we are very devastated,” said Santi when confirmed by journalists, Sunday (3/5).
According to Santi, the tanker was known to be en route from Oman to Somalia. She said this was not the first trip her husband had taken, but this time the route was considered longer than before.
“As far as I know, the route is to Somalia from Oman. This is the second time, but the current one is further,” he said.
Regarding the pirates’ demands, Santi said that the family had not received detailed information regarding the amount of ransom requested. Until now, communication related to negotiations is also not clearly known.
“The amount of the ransom has not been stated. We also don’t know whether there has been any communication from the ship with the government,” he said.
In the still uncertain situation, the victim’s family hopes that the Indonesian government through the relevant ministries can immediately take quick steps to assist in the process of rescuing the crew.
“We hope the government can intervene immediately. Hopefully my husband and all the crew can return home safely and in good health,” said Santi.
Until this news was published, there had been no official statement from the Indonesian government authorities regarding the hostage taking incident, including the steps that would be taken to handle the situation in piracy prone waters.
Somali waters are known as one of the areas with a high risk of piracy against international commercial vessels, although in recent years the intensity of incidents has decreased.
(Singapore Reporter: Tri Astuti)
