Kasargod : Vasanth Kumar from Thotattil in Melparamba and VK Babu from Uduma Palakunnu returned home safely on July 31, Wednesday to the pleasure of their family and friends.

Both were among the 24 crew on board MV Cotton who were held hostage by pirates off the coast of Gabon on July 17. Their families had spent tense days as the two and other crew members remained captive. After several days of captivity they were released by the pirates after snatching all their valuables as well as the oil stored in the vessel.

Babu and Vasanth Kumar explained how the pirates held them captive at gun point discarded the CCTV and satellite phone system in the ship. They had even removed the name board of the ship, diverted it towards Nigeria before escaping, they informed.

They also stated that the prayers of their families for their safe return had  helped in their return home safely.