Reider Shipping, owners of the hijacked freighter MV Amiya Scan and charterers Scan-Trans, report they have been in contact with their vessel.
Contact has been made with both Russian and Pilipino crew members. The crew members are reported to be in good health and treated well.
Both companies confirm that they have requested the Danish, Dutch, Russian, Filipine as well as Antigua & Barbuda authorities in Nairobi to make contact with the highest officials of the semi autonomous region Puntland, Somalia, to urge restraint and diplomacy in resolving the current hijack situation.
Reacting to further reports that forces of the Puntland authority intend to attack the MV Amiya Scan, owners and charterers have sent a message to Puntland President, Ade Musse and Foreign Minister Ali Abdi Aware stating that only diplomatic and negotiating channels should be used to bring the current incident to a safe and peaceful conclusion. The owners believe that any other action will put the lives of the crew at risk.
A spokesman for owners and charterers stated, “We do not intend taking any actions that might encourage future pirate attacks, but believe that only peaceful avenues should be explored leading to the release of the hostages. The safety and well being of our valued seafarers, together with concern for their families, is our first and only priority at this difficult time.”