The 3,900–dwt tanker Asphalt Venture (built 1991) was seized in the Somali basin on 28 September, 2010, with a crew of 15. In April 2011, the vessel and eight men were freed.
The Maritime Piracy Humanitarian Response Programme (MPHRP) said on Thursday: “Following lengthy negotiations, the release of these men was arranged after a modest payment was made to cover the logistical and transport costs of the group holding the men.”
Preparations
