Relieved families of rescued freighter crew rejoice

"It`s unbelievable that we can spend the Lunar New Year together," the families of the rescued crew of the freighter Samho Jewelry said.

They rejoiced over the news that seven crew members of the hijacked vessel rescued in Operation Dawn of the Gulf of Aden will return home Wednesday. They also wished for the recovery of the ship`s captain Seok Hae-kyun, 58, who remains hospitalized.

Chung Man-ki, 58, helped the rescue operation by diluting engine oil at the behest of the captain. His wife said, "I can spend the Lunar New Year with my entire family for the first time in three years," adding, "My husband used to ask me whether his newborn granddaughter was fine over the phone after he was released. He is excited to see his granddaughter for the first time when he returns home."

The wife of the ship`s 57-year-old cook Chung Sang-hyun said smiling, "I was so distressed and felt hopeless at first but now my worries are gone."

"I had a short phone call with him Sunday and he said he is stable but still anxious and also concerned about lack of food on board. Now I am relieved that he is on shore and will soon get on the plane."

The son of crew member Sohn Jae-ho said, "I heard that my dad will arrive soon. I`m happy to spend the Lunar New Year holidays with my family."

Sohn`s mother said, "I want to cook a lot for him in this holiday since he`ll return safe. I was so heartbroken to see Captain Seok lying in bed. I wish him a quick recovery."

The father of the youngest crew member on board, Choi Jin-gyeong, 25, said, "I`m worried whether he`s OK because we last talked over the phone a week ago. I want to see him in person at the airport."

His mother said, "I went to the market to buy groceries to cook his favorite food. I`ll feel that he`s really back only when I see him in person."

The wife of the Jewelry`s medical staff member Kim Doo-chan, 61, said, "I`m so pleased and grateful that he`s safe but I`ll be relieved only when I see him with my own eyes. When he returns, I want to visit Captain Seok in the hospital with him."

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