New Delhi: After long haul in captivity, six Indian sailors who were among the 22-member crew of MV Suez vessel freed by Somali pirates, reached international airport in New Delhi on Friday morning. They have come to India on a Emirates flight from Dubai.
Families of the sailors are extemely happy that their family members have returned. However, they are concerned about the health of the sailors who have been in captivity for a long time.
The freed sailors landed at Karachi harbour last evening aboard Pakistani naval ship PNS Zulfiqar.
The pirates released the crew of the Egyptian-owned ship, comprising six Indians, four Pakistanis, 11 Egyptians and one Sri Lankan after ransom of $2 million was paid to them.
Suhail Izaz Khan, counsellor from the Indian high commission, received the Indian sailors in Karachi.
Sindh province governor Ishrat-ul-Ibad and other senior officials were present at the Karachi port to receive the freed sailors. A ceremony was also organised at the Sindh governor House last night to welcome the sailors.
The Egyptian-owned ship was hijacked by Somali pirates in August 2010. The pirates decided to release the ship and the crew, which included six Indians and four Pakistanis, only after ransom was paid to them early in June.