Somalia, Sunday, November 16, 2008: Japanese vessel MT Stolt Valor, that had been hijacked near the Gulf of Aden on September 15 with 22 crew, including 18 Indians, on board, was released on Sunday. The Stolt Valor crew also had one Bangladeshi, two Filipinos and one Russian. Chairman of NSFA said that all crew members are safe.

Initial reports suggested that the demands of the pirates were met after prolonged negotiations. The Japanese company reportedly paid the ransom to the pirates.

Soon after this news, Seema Goyal, who has been crusading for the early release of the Indians on board said, “I am so happy today. Finally the wait is over. I received a call from the company and Japanese officials today morning and they informed me that the pirates have released the ship, which was held in captive for over 2 months now.”

“The ship is on its way to Mumbai and will be around in the next 3-4 days. I am looking forward to the Indians coming back home. Meanwhile, She further added,