Indian sailor rescued after over 40 days in custody of pirates

Capt. Rohan Ruparelia was taken hostage on February 11, 2016 after his ship with 10 other Indians on board was seized by pirates off Ivory Coast.

This February 22, 2016 photo shows Maximus, a rescued hijacked Panama-flagged vessel at the Lagos harbour in Nigeria. During the rescue operation on February 19, 2016, Indian sailor Rohan Ruparelia was taken hostage by pirates.

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.

“I am happy to inform the rescue of the 11th sailor Capt Rohan Ruparelia,” Ms. Swaraj tweeted.

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.

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.

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

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.