Bourbon announces that its 10 crew members kidnapped in Cameroon on 31st October on board the Bourbon Sagitta were released on Nov. 11.
They are now safe in Yaoundé. After medical check-ups, all of them appear to be in good health.
Bourbon wishes to thank everyone who has contributed to the successful outcome of this affair for their support and efforts, and in particular the local Cameroonian authorities, as well as the French Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs.
The two Cameroonian crew members will be joining up with their families and friends very soon. The other eight crew members, seven French and one Tunisian, will be returning to France rapidly, where they too will be reunited with their families and friends.
Nov. 12: 8 crew members back in France
Eight of Bourbon’s crew members, seven French and one Tunisian, kidnapped in Cameroon last 31st October and released on November 11th, have arrived in France this morning.
On arrival at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport Mme Rama Yade, Minister of State to the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, with responsibility for Foreign Affairs and Human Rights, greeted them in the presence of their families and friends.
After medical check-ups, all eight of them appear to be in good health.
So also were the two other crew members, both Cameroonian, who remained in their country and have already been reunited with their families.
At the airport to meet the liberated crew members, Jacques de Chateauvieux, Chief Executive Officer of Bourbon said: “It is with a great joy and relief that Bourbon’s staff and I have learnt of the release of the ten crew members of the Bourbon Sagitta, held hostage in Cameroon. I wish to thank all those involved in obtaining this successful outcome, in particular the Cameroonian authorities, the French Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs, and all Bourbon’s staff members for their unrelenting daily implication and support. I would also like to pay tribute to the professionalism and calm of the other crew members left on board. My thoughts go out to the families and friends who have shown great courage in the face of this terrible ordeal.”
(www.bourbon-online.com)