Crew members snatched from Ugland bulker are free

Eight of the nine hostages from MV Bonita pictured en route to Manila with Ugland Executive Vice President Arnt Olaf Knutsen. The ninth crew member is behind the camera (Photograph: J.J. Ugland)

All nine crew members seized from the J.J. Ugland owned bulker Bonita on November 2 (see earlier story) have been released and are safe.

J.J. Ugland reports that, late on Friday evening, December 6, 2019, the nine were released in Nigeria and brought to a safe place in southern Nigeria, after 35 days in captivity.

All crew members went through medical examinations Friday and Saturday and all nine were declared fit to fly/travel on Saturday.

After being safely transported out of Nigeria, the crew members have now safely arrived in Manila, Philippines, to reunite with their families and colleagues.

“Needless to say,” reports Ugland, “the captivity has been a very difficult experience for them. The crew members will receive further care and follow up after arrival in the Philippines. Ugland will continue to work with our crew members throughout their recovery process.”

“We are very thankful and relieved that the crew are now free and back home,” said Ugland President Øystein Beisland. “We are truly happy that the nine crew members are now reunited with their families and have their wellbeing at heart. I would on behalf of the company like to sincerely thank all parties that have contributed to resolving this difficult situation.”