Abducted Indian ship crew return

Those returning home received an ecstatic welcome

Some members of the Indian crew of a Japanese ship who were released by Somali pirates after two months in captivity have returned home.

TV pictures showed five crew members arriving in the western Indian city of Mumbai (Bombay).

Somali pirates captured the MV Stolt Valor with 18 Indian crew members on board on 15 September.

The threat posed by pirates off the Somali coast has been causing international concern.

More than 80 ships have been hijacked there this year.

'Horrific'

The smiling Indian sailors who arrived at Mumbai's international airport from Muscat in Oman were showered with petals thrown by overjoyed relatives.

These things happen everywhere. Even on land there are terror attacks Naveed Burondkar, crew member

They said that they were "greatly relieved" to be back home.

"It was horrific, it was scary," crew member Alistair Fernandez said shortly after landing.

He said that the hostages were held at gunpoint for 24 hours, and were monitored by their captors at all times - even on trips to the bathroom.

Another sailor, Naveed Burondkar, said that those being held feared for their lives because the pirates - in their 20s and 30s - were armed with assault rifles and grenades.

"It was mentally tortuous to have these men with rocket propelled grenades and assault rifles constantly watching you," he said. "It is a big relief being back home."

Mr Burondkar said the pirates "were firing continuously" when they took the ship.

"After they boarded we were held at gunpoint."

More than 80 ships have been hijacked in the Gulf of Aden this year

But he said that most of the crew would return to work again.

The rest of the Indian crew members, including the ship's captain PK Goyal, are returning home on Tuesday.

A campaign was launched by Seema Goyal, the captain's wife, who pressured the Indian government to secure the release of the crew members.

Indian media reports suggested a large ransom had been paid by the Japanese ship-owners this month. There has been no confirmation from the owners.

India is now bolstering its naval presence in the Gulf of Aden to tackle piracy off Somalia's coast.

Last week, an Indian warship sank a suspected pirate "mother ship" after it came under attack in the Gulf of Aden.

India is among several countries currently patrolling the Gulf of Aden, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes which connects the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.

In recent weeks, there has been a growing demand for multinational efforts to fight the pirates.

Somalia has not had a functioning national government since 1991 and has suffered continuing civil strife.