Mumbai, Nov 16: Japan-based Central Marine company, owner of MT Stolt Valor vessel, which was released from the clutches of Somalian Pirates, was appreciative of the government and seafarer's union for their support.

Stolt Valor was released at 0350 hrs, local time, on Sunday. "We will like to thank the Government of India, the maritime authorities concerned and associations, the seafarer's union and above all the hijacked seafarer's families for being supportive and instilling faith in us," Central Maritime stated in a press release issued here on Sunday.

The vessel was on its way to Mumbai, the company said. "We are obliged to Fleet Management Ltd, the technical manager for the vessel, who has given their support and concern to deal with the crisis in the best possible manner," the company said.

MT Stolt Valor was hijacked on September 15 off the Somalian coast while transiting the Gulf of Aden, bound for Mumbai.

It had 22 crew members on-board which included 18 Indians, one Russian, two Filipinos and one Bangladeshi.

Bureau Report