15-June-2011: The Ministry of Shipping along with other government agencies is stepping up efforts for the release of 39 Indian sailors who have been held captive by Somali pirates, Union Minister G K Vasan said today. "We hope to bring home the remaining 39 sailors who are still in the custody of pirates. We are also raising the issue in all the international forums to build international pressure," the Shipping Minister told reporters after attending the 13th Maritime States Development Council Meeting here.

Referring to the release of six Indian sailors held captive by Somali pirates on board the hijacked merchant vessel-- M V Suez, Vasan said the pirates who hijacked this vessel in August 2010 have left the ship. Indian Navy, in coordination with other navies is providing security to the ship, he said.