KARACHI/LAHORE: Five Pakistani crew members of the Morning Glory oil tanker that was hijacked by Libyan rebels returned home on Saturday morning.

The vessel set off for Tunisia on Feb 25, but it changed course after reaching Egypt and made a turn towards Libya after receiving clearance from its Dubai-based owners.

However, on reaching a Libyan port, the crew was taken hostage by the rebels who demanded that the tanker sailed towards Cyprus. Several days later, on a request made by the Libyan government, US Navy Seals helped in rescuing the crew members and took the rebels into custody. On March 23, the ship was back in a Tripoli harbour.

The entire 21-member crew has been rescued, according to officials. Six Pakistani crew members were rescued by the US navy and handed over to the Pakistani ambassador in Libya, from where they came to Pakistan.

But two Sudanese, two Syrians, three Sri Lankans, two Eritreans and the Pakistani chief officer, Ghuffran Marghoob, are still with the Libyan authorities.

Marghoob is said to be assisting the Libyan authorities in offloading the vessel as there were some complications after the vessel was hit by a bomb on March 11.

Among those who were allowed to return, Capt Nauman Baig took a direct flight to Lahore, while second officer Mehdi Shamsi, third officer Asif Hassan and crew members Mohammad Arshad and Naik Zada reached the Karachi airport at 11am. Most of them refused to speak to the media, apart from the family of Mr Shamsi, whose father had been running from pillar to post to inquire about his son’s safety.

Capt Baig expressed his delight over his release but said: “I am responsible for the safety of all 21 staff of my ship. One Pakistani member, chief officer Ghuffran Marghoob, is yet to return home. I will be really happy when all the members are reunited with their families.”

Talking to reporters at the Allama Iqbal International Airport, he said: “I have got a new life. The governments of Libya and Pakistan and (human rights activist) Mr Ansar Burney played an important role in our release. I am also thankful to the people of Pakistan and the media.”

The family of Capt Baig received him at the airport. “We are very happy. Capt Baig asked me to come to the airport in bridal dress to receive him. It is like Eid for me. I have cooked karahi gosht and rice for him on his request,” said his wife.