Family of Somali pirates hostage appeals to PM

BHUBANESWAR: The family of a sailor from Orissa, held hostage by Somalian pirates since Nov 28, has appealed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to ensure his release.   

Himanshu Kar of Balasore town, some 200 km from here, is one of 30 crewmen held hostage by the pirates who boarded and took over their ship that was bound for Europe from Indonesia.

Kar, 29, joined the vessel, owned by Singapore-based Ishima Pvt Ltd, his father Rabi Charan Kar said.

"Officials from the company's Mumbai office told us the hostages are safe. My wife and I are getting worried," Kar said.

"We were able to talk to Himanshu only once since the ship was hijacked. That was on Dec 2", he said.

"We are praying to god seeking the safe return of our son and the others," added his mother Sabita Rani. 

Kar's parents have written letters to Manmohan Singh seeking his intervention.

According to media reports, the Liberian-flagged cargo ship has a crew of 30 including 25 Indians.

Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Friday wrote to External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, requesting him to take urgent efforts to ensure the safe and early release of the hostages.