24 Filipino seafarers taken hostage by Somali pirates

Manila: Twenty-four Filipino seafarers were taken hostage on Monday from a Greek-owned bulker. The 52,163 dwt, Eagle, was hijacked 490nm south west of Salaam in the early hours of 17 January. There has been no contact with the vessel since according to EU Navfor. The bulker has a crew of 24 Filipino nationals. Meanwhile 18 Filipino nationals held since 4 July 2010 on board the product tanker Motivator were released on Monday. [18/01/11]