Egyptian sailors who were held captive by Somali pirates for 151 days have shared their harrowing experience, describing the final hours before their release and the conditions they endured on board the ship. The sailors, who appeared on a local TV program, recounted the traumatic events they faced, including gunfire, beatings, and threats of death. They also spoke of the lack of food and water, which forced them to drink from a tank filled with rust.
The sailors explained that the Somali pirates, who initially numbered around 9, increased to 50 on board the ship and eventually to 65-70 during the military intervention. The pirates were heavily armed, including with heavy weapons, making any potential clash or gunfire on board extremely dangerous. The sailors noted that the ship, an oil tanker, had a relatively low deck, allowing the pirates to board easily.
During their captivity, the sailors were forced to live in a single room at night, with armed guards accompanying them even to the bathroom or when performing ship duties. They were made to continue operating the ship's equipment under duress, as the pirates lacked the knowledge to do so themselves. The sailors also described being subjected to physical abuse and threats, including being beaten with gun butts and having their lives threatened.
The sailors revealed that they were only provided with one meal a day, and even that was not always guaranteed. The pirates would occasionally bring food, but at irregular intervals, leaving the sailors with limited sustenance. As the days passed, the sailors were forced to drink from the rusty tank, which exacerbated their dire situation. They also spoke of being used as human shields by the pirates.
The sailors recounted that they were aware of other ships being held captive in the same region, with up to six vessels being held by different pirate groups. They explained that the pirates operated independently, with different groups targeting and capturing various ships. The sailors also shared that they were allowed to contact their families intermittently, but only under the pirates' supervision.
At times, the sailors felt hopeless, even considering taking drastic measures such as sinking the ship or attacking the pirates. They described the psychological toll of their prolonged captivity and the repeated traumatic events they endured. Despite their ordeal, the sailors expressed relief and gratitude for their eventual release.
The sailors, who have years of experience working at sea, reflected on their journey and the stark contrast between their previous experiences and the traumatic events they faced during their captivity. They expressed joy at being reunited with their families and looked forward to returning to Egypt after 151 days in captivity.
Key points
- The Egyptian sailors were held captive by Somali pirates for 151 days, during which they faced harsh conditions, physical abuse, and moments of desperation.
- The pirates, who initially numbered 9, eventually grew to 65-70, and were heavily armed, making the situation extremely dangerous for the sailors.
- The sailors were subjected to physical abuse, threats, and were forced to live in dire conditions, with limited food and water, and were used as human shields by the pirates.
