What Crew Members Say About Spar-Rigel

In a significant development, the Indian Ministry of Shipping has reported that all 21 crew members of the MV Spar Rigel are safe following a harrowing pirate attack off the Nigerian coast. The Norwegian-flagged merchant vessel was targeted by pirates on Tuesday, prompting the crew to quickly secure themselves in a safe room aboard the ship. Among the crew were 20 Indian nationals and one Ukrainian, highlighting the international nature of shipping in this region. The ministry's statement, released on Friday, confirmed that naval forces responded to the distress call and successfully rescued the crew, though the specific navy involved in the operation has not been disclosed. The piracy incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by maritime operations near Nigeria, a region notorious for such attacks. As investigations continue, officials continue to prioritize crew safety in these perilous waters.

On January 10, 2012, the bulk carrier Spar Rigel was under siege by Nigerian pirates near the Harcourt port road. In a tense situation, the ship's crew took refuge in the citadel and successfully communicated their distress with a call for help. Promptly responding to the emergency, Nigerian security forces moved in to rescue the vessel. While the exact details remain sparse, it is believed that the pirates abandoned ship prior to the security forces boarding the Spar Rigel, likely after pilfering valuables from the vessel. Reports indicate that the crew comprised 20 or 21 individuals, predominantly Indian nationals, alongside one Ukrainian member, according to information from Indian media sources. For continuous updates on maritime security incidents, follow Maritime Bulletin at http://www.odin.tc.