Pirate-hit Indian crew to be questioned

DUBAI: The crew of Indian-owned UAE-registered ship, which was attacked by Somali pirates, will be flown back to India after questioning by the Customs officials here.

MV Al -Taj arrived at the Hamriya Port here with 12 crewmembers on board on Saturday. It was attacked on April 27 by the pirates. The Custom officials took the crew for investigation after their arrival.

Ship owner Narandra Shial said the wooden boat was only released after a Somali businessman paid a ransom of 25,000 dollars. The attack led to the death of a 32-year-old Indian crew Juma Othman, who was buried at sea after an on-board funeral.

The Indian vessel was commandeered to Harardheere, 400 kms North of capital Mogadishu, where it remained till its release a week ago. The vessel would sail to Gujarat in a few days.