Indian sailor rescued after over 40 days in custody of pirates

An Indian sailor, who was taken hostage by pirates nearly a month-and-a-half ago, has been "rescued", External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said on Sunday.

"I happy to inform the rescue of the 11th sailor Rohan Ruparalia," Swaraj tweeted.

Rohan was taken hostage after his ship with 10 other Indians on board was seized by pirates off the Ivory Coast on February 11.

While 10 Indian crew members were rescued by Nigerian Navy from the vessel Maximus on February 19, Rohan was taken hostage by the pirates.

Later, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said with this, all 11 Indian crew members are safe and secure and are returning to India in batches.

Rohan has been rescued and is flying back to India tonight, Swarup added.