The abductees were rescued Friday at a location in Nigeria from their captors. They are reportedly well, and are in the Korean embassy's care.
The Ghana-flagged vessel was attacked on June 25, at a location about 60 nm south of Cotonou, Benin. The pirates fled in the direction of Nigerian territorial seas-a recent trend of abductions in the Gulf of Guinea according to the ICC IMB.
South Korea's foreign ministry, in cooperation with the shipowner and regional governments, has launched an initiative to ensure their safe return.
24 Other crew members were left on board, IMB reported, and were not harmed.
The Gulf of Guinea is the world's most active area for serious maritime piracy, especially kidnapping. The number of seafarers reported kidnapped in the Gulf of Guinea increased by over 50 per cent in 2019, reaching a total of 121 victims, according to the IMB.
Maritime Business World