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Russian foreign ministry confirmed that six Russian and one Estonian crewmembers of MV Bourbon Liberty 249 earlier captured by Nigerian pirates had been released. According to foreign ministry, nothing threatens to their lives and they will return home in the nearest time. Earlier on, Estonian foreign minister Urmas Paet also confirmed the crew release.
Combat Capability [42%],
Role and Missions,
Structure of the Navy,
in-service ships, surface ships, submarines, chronology.
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Foreign Ministry: Russian Sailors Captured in Nigeria Set Free
11/02/2012 |
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As for Russian foreign ministry, representatives of Nigeria, France, Luxembourg and Estonia were involved in the crew release except for Russia. No details of the hostage-freeing operation are disclosed.
Estonian minister only mentioned in the interview to ETV that the sailors had been released amicably, writes ERR Uudised. Answering the question whether the ransom was paid, Paet said Estonian foreign ministry was not responsible for those matters. Most of all, the minister appreciated contribution of French operator Bourbon SA.
Sailors of Bourbon Liberty 249 were kidnapped on Oct 15. The ship they worked on was supplying oil platforms in the Niger River estuary. Although it is the main oil-producing region of Nigeria, local people live in extreme poverty. Piracy and kidnapping of foreigners are common in that part of the country. Having obtained a ransom, Nigerian kidnappers normally let hostages free.