The cargo ship Saturnas. Photo used courtesy of Limarko.

VILNIUS — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania (MFA) announced on Aug. 14 that the five sailors who had been kidnapped in Nigeria from the Lithuanian-flagged ship Saturnas have been liberated.
“The foreign minister has received a call from Limarko company saying that all five hostages were free and unharmed,” MFA spokesman Rolandas Kačinskas told Reuters.
The MFA said the sailors are all alive and healthy. Currently, the members of the crew are being questioned by Nigerian officials and are expected home soon following a medical examination.
“Everyone’s health condition is good but they will be checked for malaria and other diseases,” Vytautas Lygnugaris, director general of shipowner Limarko Shipping Company, told BNS. Five sailors from the ship, which is owned by the Limarko Shipping Company, were kidnapped on Aug. 3. The assault took place on the Escravos River Road off the coast of Nigeria. Kidnappers had expected a ransom to be paid, but following a refusal from the Lithuanian government released the sailors. The Lithuanian government said it wouldn’t “negotiate with terrorists.”