KARACHI, June 17: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad on Friday praised the role of Pakistan Navy in providing safe passage and security to the seamen and their vessel MV Suez released by Somali pirates after receiving a huge ransom.

The governor said that if Pakistan Navy ship had not played its role, MV Suez would have again been hijacked by the pirates.

He said that the pirates had made at least two attempts to recapture MV Suez during its return journey, but the attempts were foiled by PNS Babur personnel.

He said this at the naval headquarters where he was given a briefing on the protective measures taken by PN for MV Suez and its freed crew.

The meeting was held against the backdrop of media reports on Thursday night that Babaur was attacked by pirates. Pakistan Navy strongly denied the reports.

The commander Karachi and Ansar Burney of the Ansar Burney Welfare Trust were also present at the briefing.

The Sindh governor was informed that despite a busy schedule of national tasks and international commitments of Pakistan Navy ships, PNS Babur was sent to the Somali coast to provide protection to MV Suez.

The warship took a position in close proximity to the vessel to protect it from any piracy attempt, the governor was informed.The morale of the crew of the merchant ship was high and they felt safer after the arrival of PNS Babur, he was informed.

On the night of June 16, when the sea was a bit calm PNS Babur sent boarding parties which included the personnel of escort duties, food handlers and medical teams on board the merchant ship.

These personnel provided cover from pirates and medical aid to the crew, the governor was informed.

At that time there was no food or freshwater available on board the merchant vessel. Therefore, food supplies and freshwater was provided to the crew while a medical team provided health cover to the crew members who were in poor health after remaining hostage for about 10 months.

The governor was informed that personnel of the Special Operation Forces of PN were posted on MV Suez for the safety of personnel/ship and to repel any action or attack from pirates.

According to PN officials on the night of June 16, some pirate vessels tried to approach the merchant vessel again.

However, PNS Babur came in between the pirates and the merchant vessel and repelled the attack by firing warning shots.

Thereafter, the pirates did not try coming closer to the vessel again.

The governor was informed that the merchant vessel presently had got limited fuel which even restricted its reach to the safe waters of Omani port of Salalah.