Indian Sailor Rescued 40 Days After Being Taken Hostage by Pirates

Rohan was taken hostage after his ship with 10 other Indians on board was hijacked by pirates.

An Indian sailor, who was taken hostage by pirates nearly a month-and-a-half ago has been “rescued”, External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said on Monday.

Merchant ship ‘Maximus’ with 11 Indian sailors was hijacked by pirates.On our request the ship was followed by Ghana and Nigerian Navy./1

— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 20, 2016

We were able to rescue 10 Indian sailors with the help of Nigerian Navy. However, the Captain was taken away by the pirates./2

— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 20, 2016

I am happy to inform the rescue of the 11th sailor Capt Rohan Ruparelia. @SisteronDuty /3

— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 20, 2016

Welcome home Rohan. https://t.co/NFzV9imTz7

— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 20, 2016

Rohan Ruparelia was taken hostage after his ship, with 10 other Indians on board, was seized by pirates off the Ivory Coast on 11 February.

While 10 Indian crew members were rescued by the Nigerian Navy from the vessel Maximus on 19 February, Rohan was taken hostage by the pirates.

Later, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said with this, all 11 Indian crew members are safe and secure and are returning to India in batches.

Rohan flew back to India Sunday night, Swarup added.