KARACHI: The US action to take control of a North Korea-flagged oil tanker at a port held by ‘rebels’ in Libya brought joy to families of six Pakistani crew members, who were among those held hostage, on Monday.

The family of 25-year-old Syed Muhammad Mehdi Shamsi, said they had last contacted him in the early hours when he informed them about ‘something strange’ happening around the tanker.

“We thought that there was some kind of operation and finally the news was aired by television channels that the US forces took control of the tanker,” said Syed Hasnain Abbas, Mehdi’s brother-in-law.

“We are very happy but not satisfied yet as there has been no contact with the rescued crew members after the US operation. We only came to know through the media while the government and its institutions concerned are silent from the day one over the incident.”

He said Mehdi and five other Pakistani crew members, including Captain Mirza Noman Baig, were held hostage by Libyan rebels on March 8 at the Libyan port of Es Sider.

“After knowing this we approached every single official and institution concerned but in vain. Ansar Burney and his team helped us to trace our loved ones and finally connect us with them. He is now also making efforts for their return… the government and its institutions have disappointed us badly,” said Mr Abbas.