Date:08/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/08/stories/2008100854430700.htm

Tamil Nadu

Release of 18 seafarers sought

Staff Reporter

TUTICORIN: Members of the National Union of Seafarers of India staged a demonstration here on Tuesday demanding the immediate release of 18 seafarers who were held hostage and taken for ransom by pirates of Somalia.

Of the 18 seafarers who were reported missing, two persons were from Tamil Nadu – A. Panirayanlobo of Tuticorin and B. Jerabin of Alandhalai. The Vessel named Stolt Valor, a tanker ship, was hijacked on September 15 and no action taken as of yet by the authorities concerned.