Some rig hostages released

Of the 89 workers being held hostage on theNoble Lloyd Nobleabout five miles offshore Excravos, Nigeria, 46 had been released, Noble Drilling said. The 250-ft jackup, contracted to ChevronTexaco, was boarded by about 20 Nigerian youths on April 21. Noble said a meeting was planned for April 24 to arrange for the release of the other 43 workers. According to reports, no employees have been harmed.
This is the second time in the last month that a hostage situation has been reported off Nigeria. In early April, 10 sub-contractors for Shell were taken hostage by militants and later freed unharmed.