Duke Vessel Reviews and Specifications

On January 28, V. Ships Management (India) Pvt. Ltd. released a statement concerning the recent abduction of the crew aboard the combined chemical and oil tanker Duke. The incident, which occurred on December 15, involved an armed gang attacking the vessel approximately 110 nautical miles off the coast of Benin, resulting in 20 Indian crew members being taken hostage. Fortunately, all but one of the 19 seafarers released on January 19 have now returned to their families safely. It is a tragic note that one crew member fell severely ill during the ordeal; despite the medical assistance reportedly provided by the captors, he passed away on December 23, 2019. V. Ships extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and assures them of its continued support during this harrowing time. Upon their return to Mumbai, the crew underwent thorough medical evaluations and debriefing sessions, and reports indicate that they were in good spirits. V. Group Executives, who attended the briefing, commended the crew for their remarkable bravery and resilience throughout the difficult experience, as well as recognizing the fortitude of their families who awaited news. V. Ships Management wishes to express appreciation to all authorities, governmental agencies, and specialists involved in the safe return of the Duke's crew. Although specific details regarding the crew's release cannot be disclosed for security reasons, the company emphasizes the importance of protecting other seafarers from potential future attacks. The organization requests privacy for the returning crew members and their families as they reconnect and embark on their journey of recovery from this traumatic experience.

In the aftermath of a harrowing incident involving the 'Duke' tanker, which was attacked on December 15, 2019, UK-based shipowner Union Maritime has announced the release of 19 crew members. The release was confirmed on January 19, 2020, after a traumatic ordeal that included the unfortunate death of one crew member who fell ill shortly after the capture. Union Maritime expressed their condolences and stated, "We are seeking further information from those crew members that have been released and a full investigation will be held into the AB’s demise." Fortunately, the released crew members have undergone thorough medical evaluations and were reported to be in stable condition considering the circumstances they faced. Following the medical checks, they will be debriefed by local authorities before reuniting with their families. The attack occurred while the tanker was en route from Luanda, Angola, to Lomé, Togo. A gang of six pirates boarded the vessel approximately 115 miles south-east of Lomé, abducting all but one crew member, a Nigerian national. The pirates targeted the vessel far from shore, suggesting the likely use of a mothership to facilitate their operations.

On December 19, the vessel 'Duke' docked at the port of Lome, as a fresh relief crew boarded the ship. Meanwhile, there have been no updates regarding the 20 seafarers kidnapped from the vessel on December 15. The owners and management of the 'Duke' have made it clear that the safety and well-being of the abducted crew members is their top priority. They are actively coordinating with authorities and specialists to secure their safe return to their families. Updates are being regularly communicated to the families of the affected seafarers to keep them informed on the evolving situation.