Government today said it was making sincere efforts to secure the release of an Indian sailor who was onboard a vessel hijacked by pirates off the Ivory Coast on February 11.
Ten other Indian crew members were rescued by Nigerian Navy from the vessel Maximus on February 19 but Rohan Ruparalia and a Pakistani seamen were taken hostage by the pirates.
External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said India was in touch with the Nigerian authorities to secure Ruparalia's release.
He said the Indian Mission in Nigeria is in touch with Dubai-based owner of the vessel as well as with Nigerian authorities.
"Our mission is in touch with his family. We have assured our full support and efforts to seek safe and early release of Rohan Ruparalia," Swarup said.
He said one pirate was killed and six were arrested during the operation Nigerian Navy carried out to take control of the ship from pirates.
The MEA spokesperson said India had requested both Ghana and Nigeria to help secure release of the Indians following hijacking of the ship.
He said the government of Ghana had tasked its Navy to track the ship and as it headed towards waters of Nigeria, the countries' navy deployed five ships to rid it from control of pirates.
