Remember piracy victims today, group urges

   The Maritime Piracy Humanitarian Response Program is asking that seafarers attacked and kidnapped by pirates be remembered on the International Maritime Organization’s Day of the Seafarer 2014, celebrated on June 25.
   “As the world celebrates the Day of the Seafarer 2014 and pays tribute to their dedication and contribution to global trade, MPHRP and its partners also remember the 38 seafarers and fishers still held hostage by Somali pirates and those that are increasingly being attacked in the Gulf of Guinea, the Straits of Malacca and elsewhere,” the group said.
   MPHRP Chair Peter Swift said, “Following the successful release earlier this month of 11 seafarers from the MV Albedo after 1,288 days in captivity and the joyous reunions with their families, we remember today those that are still held hostage in Somalia, all of whom have been held for more than two years — some for over four years, and the terrible ordeal and hardship that they and their families back home are suffering. “We encourage all stakeholders to do everything possible in their power to secure their prompt release and to support and assist them and their families.”
   MPHRP Acting Program Director Hennie la Grange said that Indian Ocean piracy is currently contained, but is still present. “Pirates retain the capability to operate in the region and will no doubt resume activities if the industry’s guidance on best management practice is not diligently applied and naval forces were to be withdrawn,” la Grange said.