Vasan telephones Naik assuring to secure the safety of crew members on Al Khaliq

AL KHALIQ ship which has been hijacked on 21st October 2009 by Somalian pirates is now at an undisclosed location off the Somalian coast. Mr. Shantaram Naik, MP in a statement issued today from Bengaluru has said that according to the information received by Mr. Naik from Ministry of Shipping, though attempts are being made to contact the ship on ships phone number,the same has not become possible as, all communication systems have been put off to the pirates.

Union Minister of Shipping Shri G.K. Vasan contacted Mr. Naik on Monday and assured him that all efforts are being made to ensure the safety of seamen and that, the ship which is presently sailing, will come under contact as son as it reaches same port, when the pirates are expected to start negotiations.

Managers of the ship has informed the Directorate of Shipping that kith and kin of all the crew members and officers have been informed about the incident that they are in touch with the office of ship managers, Mr. Naik said.

Mr. Naik has been informed by the ministry that M/s SNP Shippins services Private Limited, Mumbai has assured the Directorate of Shipping that they will keep them informed of the development. Directorate is also in touch with the Ministry of External Affairs in this regard Mr. Naik has been informed.