Ongoing Efforts to Secure Release of 16 Syrian Sailors After Cargo Ship Hijacking off Somalia’s Coast

The Syrian Seafarers Syndicate announced on Tuesday that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of 16 Syrian sailors who were detained following the hijacking of a cargo ship last Sunday off the coast of Somalia.
In a post on Facebook, the syndicate stated that communications are still underway with relevant international parties to reach a solution ensuring the sailors’ release. It added that it had been able to check on their health conditions through contact with the ship’s owners.
The syndicate confirmed that no injuries or mistreatment of the kidnapped sailors have been reported so far, noting that they are in stable condition.
Meanwhile, the families of the detained sailors called on the Syrian government to intervene and engage in negotiations that would help secure the release of their relatives, expressing concern over their continued detention under unclear circumstances.
The cargo ship “Sword,” flying the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis, was attacked at dawn on Sunday about six nautical miles off the area of Garacad in Somalia.
According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), pirates seized control of the vessel and forced it to head toward Somali territorial waters.