DUBAI // Somali pirates have threatened to start killing hostages aboard the Dubai ship MT Royal Grace, sparking desperate appeals from relatives for government intervention before tomorrow’s deadline.
The empty chemical tanker with a crew of 17 Indians, three Nigerians, a Pakistani and a Bangladeshi was hijacked in March off the coast of Oman after it set sail for Nigeria from Sharjah.
More than 20 relatives gathered this week at the shipping ministry office in New Delhi, India, demanding government action.
“We got a call and we were clearly told that they were giving us until November 30 or that was the end,” said Sharmishta, a relative of a hostage. “They told us to ask our governments or they will start on the men, one by one.
“Now only governments can help us because none of us can ever pay the ransom and the ship’s owner told us they don’t have the money.
“Their lives are dependent on someone talking to the pirates. We don’t have any contacts in the UAE or Nigeria, so we are appealing through the media.”
The pirates want US$2 million (Dh7.3m) to free the crew and ship.
A Nigerian sailor has already died because of a lack of medication, the relatives said.
The vessel is part of the Dubai company Oyster Cargo and Shipping, which is owned by a Nigerian businessman.
“The ministers told us that it will be resolved and we should be patient,” said Sushil Kumar, whose younger brother, Saurav, 24, is being held captive on his first voyage.
“Time is running out but we have been asked to wait a week. When I spoke to my brother, he said we must get them out because anything could happen to them now.
“Somebody must help; we have tried everything with our government. If this is not solved, all of them will be gone.”
The Indian shipping minister G?K Vasan said efforts were continuing for the release of the crew. But officials also restated the government’s position that they could not be involved in ransom negotiations.
“Governments have traditionally avoided paying ransoms on the grounds that, if they do, all their citizens will be at risk from kidnappers,” said Jon Lee, an analyst for Compass Risk Management, which has been involved in negotiations to free crews.
“What governments can do is to use their contacts to put pressure on the host nation to resolve the situation and, in some cases, use their local contacts to help families, or those acting for them, to open a dialogue with the kidnappers.”
Company representatives said negotiations were ongoing but did not provide details.
There are nine ships and 154 seamen being held by pirates, according to International Maritime Bureau statistics.
Another Dubai-owned ship, the MV Iceberg 1, with 23 crew, is the longest held by Somali pirates. They seized it 31 months ago.
Mr Lee said the ability of owners to negotiate with pirates was critical.
“Some will have this covered by insurance. Many don’t have the cover and thus access to specialists to advise,” he said.
“Insurance will also give access to the necessary funds to pay the extortionate ransom demand.”
During a shipping conference in Dubai this week, piracy experts appealed for coordinated action between governments. They urged the early release of hostages so they are not subjected to the torture, brutality and depravation that Somali pirates can inflict.
“Let us not forget these men,” said Pottendal Mukundan, the director of the International Maritime Bureau. “We should work to get them back to their families.
"Just because the victims and the ships are out of sight, it does not mean that we should not do our best to set them free."
rtalwar@thenational.ae
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Electoral College Victory
Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.
Popular Vote Tally
The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.
Business Insights
- As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
- SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income.
- Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
Citadel: Honey Bunny first episode
Directors: Raj & DK
Stars: Varun Dhawan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Kashvi Majmundar, Kay Kay Menon
Rating: 4/5
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
Disclaimer
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Stars: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Lesley Manville
Rating: 4/5
Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairy Tale
Starring: Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan, Radhika Sarathkumar, Nagarjuna Akkineni
Director: Amith Krishnan
Rating: 3.5/5
The specs
Engine: 77.4kW all-wheel-drive dual motor
Power: 320bhp
Torque: 605Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh219,000
On sale: Now
MATCH INFO
Who: UAE v USA
What: first T20 international
When: Friday, 2pm
Where: ICC Academy in Dubai
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
RESULTS
Main card
Bantamweight 56.4kg: Mehdi Eljamari (MAR) beat Abrorbek Madiminbekov (UZB), Split points decision
Super heavyweight 94 kg: Adnan Mohammad (IRN) beat Mohammed Ajaraam (MAR), Split points decision
Lightweight 60kg: Zakaria Eljamari (UAE) beat Faridoon Alik Zai (AFG), RSC round 3
Light heavyweight 81.4kg: Taha Marrouni (MAR) beat Mahmood Amin (EGY), Unanimous points decision
Light welterweight 64.5kg: Siyovush Gulmamadov (TJK) beat Nouredine Samir (UAE), Unanimous points decision
Light heavyweight 81.4kg: Ilyass Habibali (UAE) beat Haroun Baka (ALG), KO second round
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Cricket World Cup League 2
UAE squad
Rahul Chopra (captain), Aayan Afzal Khan, Ali Naseer, Aryansh Sharma, Basil Hameed, Dhruv Parashar, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Waseem, Omid Rahman, Rahul Bhatia, Tanish Suri, Vishnu Sukumaran, Vriitya Aravind
Fixtures
Friday, November 1 – Oman v UAE
Sunday, November 3 – UAE v Netherlands
Thursday, November 7 – UAE v Oman
Saturday, November 9 – Netherlands v UAE
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Getting there
The flights
Flydubai operates up to seven flights a week to Helsinki. Return fares to Helsinki from Dubai start from Dh1,545 in Economy and Dh7,560 in Business Class.
The stay
Golden Crown Igloos in Levi offer stays from Dh1,215 per person per night for a superior igloo; www.leviniglut.net
Panorama Hotel in Levi is conveniently located at the top of Levi fell, a short walk from the gondola. Stays start from Dh292 per night based on two people sharing; www. golevi.fi/en/accommodation/hotel-levi-panorama
Arctic Treehouse Hotel in Rovaniemi offers stays from Dh1,379 per night based on two people sharing; www.arctictreehousehotel.com
AVOID SCAMMERS: TIPS FROM EMIRATES NBD
1. Never respond to e-mails, calls or messages asking for account, card or internet banking details
2. Never store a card PIN (personal identification number) in your mobile or in your wallet
3. Ensure online shopping websites are secure and verified before providing card details
4. Change passwords periodically as a precautionary measure
5. Never share authentication data such as passwords, card PINs and OTPs (one-time passwords) with third parties
6. Track bank notifications regarding transaction discrepancies
7. Report lost or stolen debit and credit cards immediately
The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
Quick pearls of wisdom
Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”
Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.”
Formula One top 10 drivers' standings after Japan
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes 306
2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari 247
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes 234
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull 192
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari 148
6. Max Verstappen, Red Bull 111
7. Sergio Perez, Force India 82
8. Esteban Ocon, Force India 65
9. Carlos Sainz Jr, Toro Rosso 48
10. Nico Hulkenberg, Renault 34
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The 12 breakaway clubs
England
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur
Italy
AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus
Spain
Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid
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