MV Mozart Attack: NIMASA Assures Turkey on Safe Return of 15 Kidnapped Seafarers
…Says US Delighted At Nigeria’s Progress In Tackling Piracy
By DAPO OLAWUNI
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has assured that it is not resting on its oars until the 15 kidnapped crew of a Turkish vessel; MV Mozart regain their freedom from pirates.
Director General of NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh stated this when the
Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, HE Amb. Melih Ulueren played host to NIMASA in Abuja to discuss the recent attack on MVMozart.
Jamoh also stated through his official twitter handle; @Jamohbashir that the United States of America have expressed delight in Nigeria’s positive progress and holistic solution to maritime insecurity, especially the anticipated deployment of the Deep Blue security platforms.
In separate tweets, Jamoh commenting on his meeting with the Turkish Ambassador, Amb. Melih Ulueren, the NIMASA DG wrote “I assured him we are doing our best for the safe return of the 15 Kidnapped Turkish Seamen onboard the Liberian-Flagged Vessel outside Nigerian Waters”
Also on the US Embassy parley with Amb Mary B Leonard on NIMASA’s challenges and efforts to address piracy; Jamoh said the Deep Blue platforms deployment timeline is currently at 85% readiness.
“Partners delighted at Nigeria’s positive progress/holistic solution to maritime insecurity; urged speedy, full implementation”
MV Mozart, a containership, was attscked on 23rd of January 2021 by daredevil pirates in the Gulf of Guinea at about 05.25 UTC while en route from Lagos Nigeria to Cape Town South Africa.
However, pirates who kidnapped the 15 sailors in the Gulf of Guinea have made their first contact with the shipping company to discuss a ransom, Turkish state media reported.
“Communication has been established with crew members of the Mozart container ship,” Istanbul-based Boden Shipping, which provides technical management services for the vessel, was quoted as saying by state-owned Anadolu news agency.
“Information has been obtained that all 15 crew members are in good health, not wounded and together,” it said.
