Iceberg 1 Crew Freed After 1000 days in Captivity

The Maritime Piracy Humanitarian Response Program (MPHRP) and its partners in the industry-wide coalition established to assist seafarers and their families with the humanitarian aspects of piracy incidents have welcomed the news of the release of the 22 crew members on the Iceberg 1 after 1000 days in captivity in Somalia.
“We are greatly relieved to hear that they are safe after their terrible ordeal” said Peter Swift, Chairman of MPHRP, “and to hear that that they will soon be returning to their homes.  It has also been wonderful to hear the expressions of joy and happiness from their families as the news of their release reached them. We are of course grateful to all those who have played a part in their rescue and are making the arrangements for their medical and other check-ups and their repatriation. Now we hope that both public and private organizations will work to ensure that the released hostages, as well as their families, receive all the necessary support and assistance they will require both immediately and longer term as they recover from the trauma and deprivation that they have suffered since being kidnapped on 29 March 2010.”
MPHRP was established in September 2011 by a cross industry group of 27 partners with one aim.  "to assist seafarers and their families with the humanitarian aspects of a traumatic incident caused by a piracy attack, armed robbery or being taken hostage". It has produced guides and training for the maritime industry and has representatives in India, Philippines and Ukraine.
The crew released are 22 from Yemen, India, Ghana, Sudanese and one Filipino.