Indian sailor rescued after over 40 days in custody of pirates
Capt. Ruparelia was taken hostage after his was seized by pirates off Ivory Coast on February 11, 2016.
Delhi: An Indian sailor, who was taken hostage by pirates nearly a month-and-a-half ago, has been “rescued”, External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said on Sunday.
Capt. Ruparelia was taken hostage after his ship with 10 other Indians on board was seized by pirates off Ivory Coast on February 11, 2016.
Ruparelia's sister Zankhana, who had earlier criticised the external affairs ministry for not doing anything in the case, took to Twitter to express her gratitude to Sushma Swaraj for helping rescue her brother.
@SushmaSwaraj @MEAQuery-Thank u for all the support Mam.My bro Rohan is finally rescued from the Pirates. Jai Hind
— Zankhana Ruparelia (@SisteronDuty) March 20, 2016
“I am happy to inform the rescue of the 11th sailor Capt Rohan Ruparelia,” Swaraj had earlier tweeted.
Merchant ship ‘Maximus’ with 11 Indian sailors was hijacked by pirates.On our request the ship was followed by Ghana and Nigerian Navy./1
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 20, 2016
We were able to rescue 10 Indian sailors with the help of Nigerian Navy. However, the Captain was taken away by the pirates./2
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 20, 2016
I am happy to inform the rescue of the 11th sailor Capt Rohan Ruparelia. @SisteronDuty /3
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 20, 2016
While 10 Indian crew members were rescued by the Nigerian Navy from the vessel Maximus on February 19, 2016, Capt. Ruparelia was taken hostage by the pirates.
Later, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said with this, all 11 Indian crew members are safe and secure and are returning to India in batches.