The Dutch shipping company De Poli says that the circumstances are going well for the fifteen crew members of oil tanker Davide B, who were kidnapped off the coast of Benin in West African on 11 March. According to a spokesperson, all kidnapped crew members have been in contact. It is not clear where they are being held.
The shipping company also had contact with the kidnappers, but the spokesperson does not want to say anything about their demands. “A dialogue has started, but we will not announce details.” He says a crisis team is working hard to get crew members home safely and their family members are being supported.
Six crew members were not kidnapped and escorted the oil tanker to a safer area. The pirates have left the cargo untouched.
According to the spokesman, hijackings and kidnappings are more common in these waters. “There is a pattern of security incidents in this area.” He does not want to say anything about the security on Davide B, only that “visible and invisible measures” had been taken.
The ship, flying the Maltese flag, was en route from the Latvian capital of Riga to Lagos in Nigeria. There are no Dutchmen among the crew, but Philippines and Russians.
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