Hijacked ship: it has an eight member Sri Lankan crew - MFA

The vessel which was allegedly hijacked by Somali pirates is not registered under a Sri Lankan flag, however it has an eight member Sri Lankan crew, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said today.

The Ministry also said it is aware of media reports regarding the alleged hijacking of a reportedly “Sri Lankan-flagged fuel freighter” by pirates and it is taking action to verify the alleged incident, and initial enquiries have revealed that while the vessel involved is not registered under a Sri Lankan flag.

 
In a statement, the Ministry further said, “The Ministry continues to remain in touch with the shipping agents, concerned authorities, as well as relevant Sri Lanka Missions overseas to ascertain further information on the matter in order to ensure the safety and welfare of the Sri Lankan crew.
 

Therefore, as and when confirmed information regarding the alleged incident becomes available, the Ministry will share information in a manner that would not be prejudicial to the safety of the crew.”

Somali pirates are suspected to have hijacked the Sri Lankan-flagged fuel freighter after the ship sent a distress call, turned off its tracking system and altered course for the Somali coast, Reuters reported earlier on Tuesday.