Lest we forget: remembering the Leopard crew one year on

Sir, Today, the 12th January, is the anniversary of the day upon which Somali pirates seized the 7-strong Danish and Filipino crew of the MV Leopard.

In July, their kidnappers released video in which six of the hostages were paraded by hooded gunmen and forced, under obvious duress, to plead for help from their shipowner and government. The shock of those haggard images did much to humanise our understanding of what it means to be torn from everyday life and held in the lawless outback of Somalia.

But one year on, are the men’s families any nearer reunion with their loved ones?  Just before Christmas,  the company, Shipcraft, bleakly stated: “We are very concerned about the fact that it has so far not been possible to negotiate the release of our crew in spite of ongoing efforts by us, our advisors and help from authorities and other parties. We suffer with our crew for being in captivity under very bad conditions instead of with their loved ones, with whom we also have the deepest sympathy. Our best efforts will continue as we appeal to the pirates to take a reasonable position so that our crew can be released.”

The Danish Foreign Ministry this week told The Mission to Seafarers:

“An international security company is assisting the ship owner in the negotiations with the pirates. The Danish government is deeply concerned about the intolerable situation suffered by the hostages and their relatives.The Danish authorities are following the case very closely. The Danish government does not, however, intervene in negotiations related to the release of the hostages, as it is the government’s clear policy that the State does not negotiate with pirates or other criminals, and, as a matter of principle, does not condone the paying of ransom”.

“Due to our concern for the hostages and their relatives, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cannot offer you more details relating to the case. We hope for your understanding,” said the Danish spokesman.

Protestations of concern, then, from both parties, but, on action and progress, there is silence.  In a week where we celebrate freedom for the Savina Caylyn and the Olib G, and applaud the rescue of Iranian and Pakistani hostage seafarers by the Danish warship Absalon, we trust that someone is indeed working in secret for the release of the Leopard hostages and that they will be out of Africa  before this new year is very much older.

The Revd Tom Heffer

The Mission to Seafarers