Bangladeshi vessel MV Abdullah, along with hostages freed from the clutches of Somali pirates, is expected to reach Kutubdia on Monday. After unloading a portion of the vessel’s cargo, the sailors will be brought to the jetty by boat or lighter ship by Tuesday afternoon.
Mehrul Karim, the chief executive officer (CEO) of SR Shipping Ltd – the company that owns the vessel – confirmed the matter saying, “The ship was about 350 nautical miles away from Kutubdia at 3:50 pm on Sunday.
“It is expected to arrive in Kutubdia by Monday evening or night.”
Tanveer Ahmed, fourth engineer of the ship, said the ship is now close to the coast of Bangladesh. Everyone is eagerly waiting to reach home and meet their relatives.
Mizanul Islam, media advisor of KSRM – parent company of the vessel, said, “The ship will unload limestone in Kutubdia, and then leave for the Chattogram port. The vessel, carrying 23 sailors, is expected to reach Kutubdia by Monday evening.
“As far as we know, all the sailors on board are healthy. After they reach Kutubdia, we will be able to discuss our next course of action.”
MV Abdullah brought in 56,000 tonnes of limestone imported from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Part of the cargo will be unloaded at Kutubdia and the ship will come to Chattogram Port outer anchorage for unloading the rest of the cargo.
Meanwhile, 23 sailors will be reunited with their relatives after 64 days of being held hostage. Their relatives are waiting to welcome them.
A month after being kidnapped by Somali pirates, the MV Abdullah vessel and 23 sailors were released on April 13, 12am Somalia time and 3:00 am Bangladesh time. The ransom was delivered by a special aircraft.
After release, the ship left for Dubai. The vessel reached the outer anchorage of Dubai Al Hamriya port in the UAE around 4:30pm on April 21.
