Four Korean Seafarers Kidnapped in West Africa Released After Two Months

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] Four Korean crew members who were kidnapped by pirates off the coast of West Africa have been safely released after two months.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 2nd, four Korean crew members who were kidnapped by pirates while fishing near the Gulf of Guinea, Africa, on June 1st were safely released around 10 p.m. Korean time on the 1st.

The released Korean crew members are generally in good health and are being protected at a safe location arranged by the local diplomatic mission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported.

They are scheduled to depart as soon as administrative procedures are completed and flights are secured.

One third-country national crew member who was also kidnapped by pirates along with the Korean crew members was released, and the local Korean embassy plans to support the repatriation process for this crew member.

Additionally, it was confirmed that one Korean crew member and four foreign crew members who were kidnapped by pirates near the Gulf of Guinea on May 20th were released on June 29th, 41 days after their abduction.