2 Kasargod men among crew of ship held hostage by African pirates

Mangalore Today News Network

Kasargod, July 18, 2013 :  Two persons from Kasargod are among the  several  crew of a  ship MV Couton held hostage by suspected African pirates near the West African Coast on July 15, Monday.

They are Vasanth Kumar (32) from Kalannadu and Babu (35) from Uduma Palakunnu.

The oil laden ocean liner was seized by pirates  after it sailed off Gabon. Reports say the ship has been diverted towards Nigeria and communication with it is totally cut off. So far there has been no demand  for ransom or anything else.

The owners of the ship have assured all possible steps to ensure the safety of the crew members.