ABM Giashuddin Azam Khan, second engineer of the MT Marida Marguerite, a German chemical tanker hijacked by Somali pirates eight months back, returned home on Saturday afternoon.
Two Bangladesh crewmen — Giash and chief officer of the oil tanker Mohammad Jafar Iqbal — were released along with 20 other crew on December 28 last. However, Jafar was yet to reach the country.
Giash told reporters in his CDA Colony residence at Mehedibug in the Chittagong city that they had faced no unpleasant situation except from remaining hostage during the period.
‘I never thought I’ll not be able to return home as the pirates just wanted ransom,’ he said, adding that he was sure about the safe return of all the crewmen of the hijacked Bangladeshi vessel MV Jahan Moni.
He also said the Jahan Moni was berthed near their vessel and they could talk to the Bangladeshi crewmen on the mobile of the pirates and added that all the crewmen on board were well.
The Somali pirates hijacked the vessel on May 8 from 120 nautical miles south of the port of Salalah of Oman with 22 crewmen, including 19 Indian, 1 Ukrainian and 2 Bangladeshi.
The vessel reached the port of Salalah after three days and Giash flew in Shah Amanat International Airport from there while Jafar was scheduled to fly in on Monday.
