Bourbon confirms that the 7 crew members, 6 Russians and 1 Estonian, abducted during the boarding of the Bourbon Liberty 249 off the coast of Nigeria, on October 15, 2012, were released today.
Despite difficult conditions while in captivity, they all appear to be in good health.
They are currently being looked after by the members of the Bourbon Emergency Unit in Nigeria where they are undergoing careful medical and psychological check-ups. The 7 employees will be returning to their own countries within the next few days to be reunited with their families and friends. This news comes as an immense relief to all Bourbon employees who share the joy of the families.
Bourbon wishes to extend its thanks to the organizations who, along with the Emergency Unit, have worked towards this liberation, including the Nigerian local authorities (Police, Special Security Services and Joint Task Force) as well as the Nigerian, Russian, Estonian, Luxemburg and French Governments.
Bourbon would also like to warmly thank all those who have shown their support and encouragement in these difficult circumstances.
For reasons of confidentiality and in order to preserve the privacy of the families, no information will be given about the demands, the context, the released crewmembers and their families. Bourbon will not make any comment.