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On January 30, 2021, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine announced the release of six Ukrainian crew members from the vessel 'Stevia', who had been held by Nigerian pirates for a harrowing 1.5 months. The crew members are now safely awaiting their repatriation back to Ukraine. Zelensky expressed his gratitude to the Ukrainian diplomats whose diligent negotiations facilitated the crew's return. The 'Stevia' fell victim to a pirate attack in December 2020 while navigating the Gulf of Guinea, close to the Nigerian coastline. During this treacherous incident, eight crew members were abducted by the pirates, including six Ukrainians: the captain, chief mate, second mate, chief mechanic, electrician, and a viper. At the time of the attack, the vessel was in transit from southern Nigeria to Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.

On December 16, 2020, the merchant vessel 'Stevia' fell victim to a violent pirate assault in the Gulf of Guinea, specifically at coordinates 03° 50N 006°09E, located southwest of Port Harcourt. During this brazen attack, eight crew members were taken hostage by the assailants. The ship, which had been operating in the Gulf of Guinea since October, was navigating from Port Harcourt to Abidjan when the incident occurred. Following the attack, 'Stevia' managed to continue sailing at a slower speed, ultimately becoming adrift at around 11 a.m. while awaiting assistance. The vessel was scheduled to arrive in Abidjan by December 20.