Hostage's family waiting, praying

A resident of Doddanangi, Mogral, near Kumble Mohammed was working for a by Mumbai-based Anglo-Eastern Ship Management.

The Somali pirates had boarded the ship, 'Firechem Bogey', and hijacked while anchored in Salalah port in Oman. A Salalah-based shipping source said the vessel was being loaded with methanol when it was seized.

Mohammed contacted his family over phone last Monday afternoon and informed about his being held captive. He also informed that it might take at least two months for the release and all the members in the ship are safe.

Though, the Eid is round the corner, his wife Zuhra, children and relatives are depressed for not hearing his words for several days.

Ray of hope
Though Muhammad Nangi's son Muneer is working in the same shipping company, fortunately he did not go in the same ship with his father. Muneer contacted the officials of his company at Mumbai and negotiated the further course of action for his father's immediate release. The family is hoping the release of Mr Nangi prior to Eid.

The other Keralite held hostage has been identified as K Rohit (26) from Thalikkulam in Thrissur. Rohit has been working on the ship as an electrician for two years.