Negotiations with the pirates who hijacked the Bangladesh-flagged cargo vessel MV Abdullah from the Indian Ocean on 12 March have made “significant progress”, raising hopes for the release of the captive crews and the vessel in the coming days.

While earlier reports indicated shortages of food and water on board, the crew members are now managing with supplies provided by the pirates and rationing of water. Communication with their families has also helped alleviate some concerns, said officials of the owning company of the vessel.

Mizanul Islam, the media adviser for Kabir Group, the owning authority, expressed optimism about the ongoing negotiations, refraining from disclosing specific details but anticipating positive developments before Eid-ul-Fitr.

Sources familiar with the negotiations revealed that significant progress has been made, indicating the imminent release of the vessel and its crew.

They said the owning authority has enlisted the support of the vessel’s P&I Club and the Crisis-24 international organisation to expedite the resolution of the situation.

Atique Ua Khan, a seasoned mariner in contact with the captive crew, noted that discussions between the owner and the pirates have eased tensions among the crew, who are allowed to remain in their cabins, conduct regular maintenance, and communicate with their families.

While some supplies are provided by the pirates, water is rationed to manage reported shortages, ensuring the safety and well-being of the crew, he added.

The MV Abdullah, carrying 55,000 tonnes of thermal coal

from Maputo Port in Mozambique to Al Hamriyah Port in Dubai, was hijacked by Somali pirates on 12 March.

This incident recalls the hijacking of another vessel, the MV Jahan Moni, owned by the same company, by Somali pirates on 5 December 2010. After 99 days in captivity, the crew and the vessel were eventually released, bringing an end to a period of uncertainty and anguish for their families.

The crew members finally returned to Chattogram on 21 March 2011, bringing an end to the agonising uncertainty that had plagued their loved ones for months.