No action that'll endanger hostage life: MV Abdullah owners against EU rescue operation

The owners of the hijacked cargo vessel MV Abdullah have said they are against any rescue operation by the European Union using a naval ship, which has been deployed in nearby waters, to ensure that no hostage sailors' lives will be put in danger.

"Our primary focus is the safe return of the sailors. We oppose any operation or violence that jeopardises their lives," Mizanul Islam, media advisor for Kabir Group, owners of the MV Abdullah, told The Business Standard today.

"We have told the media about our disapproval of any operation, and the Bangladesh government upholds the same policy," he said.

The European Union Naval Force deployed a warship near the Bangladeshi-flagged cargo ship MV Abdullah, which was hijacked by Somali pirates on 12 March. This information was announced via the EU Naval Force's official social media account on Thursday.

Sources indicate the hostage crew is experiencing increased pressure from the pirates following the warship's arrival.

EU Naval Force's Operation Atalanta released a video and photographs showcasing the warship's proximity to the hijacked vessel.

A helicopter from the warship was seen flying over the hijacked Bangladeshi ship. A picture has also been released showing two forces members looking towards the MV Abdullah ship from the warship.

Speaking about the EU naval ship deployment, Mizanul said, "We have no opinion on the deployment of EU warships. It is their internal matter."

Meanwhile, the pirates initiated contact through a third party on Wednesday and the owners are negotiating for the ship's release and the crew's safe return.

Regarding negotiations with the pirates, Mizanul said, "Discussions are ongoing to ensure the crew's safe return. These talks are still in their preliminary stages. Based on past experiences, retrieving sailors can take around 100 days. We hope a peaceful resolution can be achieved through talks much sooner."

Bangladeshi sailors feel the heat

The Operation Atalanta warship is currently stationed near the hijacked cargo ship MV Abdullah. The warship's regular patrols in close proximity to the vessel have reportedly increased pressure on the captive crew.

Industry insiders believe that since Bangladesh prioritises the safe return of its sailors through peaceful negotiations, the warship's presence near the hijacked ship is potentially disruptive to this process.

Shakhawat Hossain, secretary general of the Bangladesh Merchant Marine Officers' Association, told TBS, "The flag carrier of Bangladesh is like the land of the country. If you want to carry out any kind of operation here, you will need the permission of Bangladesh. Bangladesh authorities have not allowed any kind of operation aimed at a peaceful solution"

"However, EU warships patrolling or approaching hostage ships is negative for Bangladesh. Earlier, Bangladeshi sailors had been given the opportunity to stay in their cabins. They were relaxed.

"But since the warship started patrolling, everyone has been gathered together for the past two days. It is creating stress for the sailors," he claimed without providing details. 

Shakhawat suggested the EU's focus might be broader than the immediate situation.

"The EU has numerous vessels operating in the region. Perhaps their objective is to establish regional dominance through operations or a raid on the hijacked ship," he added.

Operation Atalanta, however, published a report detailing 24 maritime incidents of piracy, hijacking, and attempted hijacking in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin between 24 November 2023 and 21 March.

Among them were ships flagged by Bangladesh, Iran, Malta, Libya, Yemen and Sri Lanka.

After MV Abdullah was hijacked on 12 March, two more ships were attacked. The Libyan-flagged MV New Leonidas faced a suspicious approach on 20 March, and YAMILAH III, another Libyan vessel, was the victim of an attempted attack on 21 March.

Somali pirates seized the MV Abdullah and its 23 crew members. The ship is currently anchored 1.5 nautical miles off the coast of Godobjiraan, Somalia.