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Abducted Indian ship crew return Abducted Indian ship crew return
(about 13 hours later)
Some members of the Indian crew of a Japanese ship who were released by Somali pirates after two months in captivity have returned home.Some members of the Indian crew of a Japanese ship who were released by Somali pirates after two months in captivity have returned home.
TV pictures showed five crew members arriving in the western Indian city of Mumbai (Bombay).TV pictures showed five crew members arriving in the western Indian city of Mumbai (Bombay).
Somali pirates captured the MV Stolt Valor with 18 Indian crew members on 15 September on board. Somali pirates captured the MV Stolt Valor with 18 Indian crew members on board on 15 September.
The threat posed by pirates off the Somali coast has been causing international concern.The threat posed by pirates off the Somali coast has been causing international concern.
More than 80 ships have been hijacked there this year.More than 80 ships have been hijacked there this year.
The smiling Indian sailors who arrived at Mumbai's international airport from Muscat in Oman said they were "greatly relieved" to be back home. 'Horrific'
'Living at gunpoint' The smiling Indian sailors who arrived at Mumbai's international airport from Muscat in Oman were showered with petals thrown by overjoyed relatives.
Crew member Naveed Borundkar said that the pirates "were firing continuously" when they took the ship. These things happen everywhere. Even on land there are terror attacks Naveed Burondkar, crew member
They said that they were "greatly relieved" to be back home.
"It was horrific, it was scary," crew member Alistair Fernandez said shortly after landing.
He said that the hostages were held at gunpoint for 24 hours, and were monitored by their captors at all times - even on trips to the bathroom.
Another sailor, Naveed Burondkar, said that those being held feared for their lives because the pirates - in their 20s and 30s - were armed with assault rifles and grenades.
"It was mentally tortuous to have these men with rocket propelled grenades and assault rifles constantly watching you," he said. "It is a big relief being back home."
Mr Burondkar said the pirates "were firing continuously" when they took the ship.
"After they boarded we were held at gunpoint.""After they boarded we were held at gunpoint."
Alister Fernandes recounted "life under gunpoint" on the ship. More than 80 ships have been hijacked in the Gulf of Aden this year
"The crew members were made to just sit at gunpoint for 24 hours. We prayed. The pirates just wanted money," he said. These things happen everywhere. Even on land there are terror attacks Naveed Borundkar, crew member But he said that most of the crew would return to work again.
Naveed Borundkar said that most of the crew would return to work again.
"These things happen everywhere. Even on land there are terror attacks. We got the support of the Indian navy this time and we were rescued. We are positive," he said.
The rest of the Indian crew members, including the ship's captain PK Goyal, are returning home on Tuesday.The rest of the Indian crew members, including the ship's captain PK Goyal, are returning home on Tuesday.
A campaign was launched by Seema Goyal, the captain's wife, who pressured the Indian government to secure the release of the crew members.A campaign was launched by Seema Goyal, the captain's wife, who pressured the Indian government to secure the release of the crew members.
Indian media reports had suggested a large ransom had been paid by the Japanese ship-owners earlier this month. There has been no confirmation from the owners. Indian media reports suggested a large ransom had been paid by the Japanese ship-owners this month. There has been no confirmation from the owners.
India is now bolstering its naval presence in the Gulf of Aden to tackle piracy off Somalia's coast.India is now bolstering its naval presence in the Gulf of Aden to tackle piracy off Somalia's coast.
The Indian navy has already deployed a warship in the area and is planning to send at least one more.
Delhi has formally been given permission to act under a UN resolution allowing navies to pursue pirates into Somalia's territorial waters
Last week, an Indian warship sank a suspected pirate "mother ship" after it came under attack in the Gulf of Aden.Last week, an Indian warship sank a suspected pirate "mother ship" after it came under attack in the Gulf of Aden.
India is among several countries currently patrolling the Gulf of Aden, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes which connects the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.India is among several countries currently patrolling the Gulf of Aden, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes which connects the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.
In recent weeks, there has been a growing demand for multinational efforts to fight the pirates.In recent weeks, there has been a growing demand for multinational efforts to fight the pirates.
Somalia has not had a functioning national government since 1991 and has suffered continuing civil strife.Somalia has not had a functioning national government since 1991 and has suffered continuing civil strife.