Somali pirates release 39 Kenyans

By MARTIN MUTUA

Thirty-nine Kenyan crew members of a fishing vessel hijacked off the Kenyan Coast last October by Somali pirates are now free.

According to the Seafarers Assistance Programme co-ordinator Andrew Mwangura, the vessel, FV Golden Wave, was sailing towards the port of Mombasa yesterday.

Mr Mwangura said the vessel is expected to take two to three days to dock at the Coast.

"I received confirmation today (Thursday) that Golden Wave has been released and is trudging towards Mombasa," he told The Standard.

Elizabeth Molly (right) addresses the Press after learning about the release of her husband who is among 43 crew who have been set free by Somali pirates, at Fontanella, in Mombasa, yesterday. [PHOTO: OMONDI ONYANGO/STANDARD]

FV Golden Wave came under attack around Kiunga area and was commandeered by pirates into Somali territory on October 9, last year.

Apart from the mainly Kenyan crew on board, there are two Chinese and two Korean nationals.

Mwangura, however, could not confirm if any ransom was paid to secure the ship’s release.

He added that they had also been informed of a request from the ship for armed escort out of Somali waters. "We have already passed the information to foreign embassies and the Kenyan Department of Defence," he said.

And an overjoyed Mrs Elizabeth Molly, wife to James Yavesa, the ship’s second engineer could not hide her joy when she was informed of its release.

Still in custody

Apart from her husband, Elizabeth has a brother, Christopher Mwamburi, and brother-in-law, Mark Ingosi, on board the ship.

"God has heard my prayers. I wish to thank all who stood by us, particularly the media who have been providing updates on the fate of the hijacked vessel," she said.

However, a Kenyan woman is still in the custody of Somali pirates after a general cargo ship christened Al-Zoulfecar sailing from the Comoros was hijacked and taken to Somalia.