After spending over a year in captivity, 17 Indian sailors freed

New Delhi: When her cell phone rang this afternoon, good news was the last thing on her mind. Apart from spending a few nights on the pavement outside the offices of the Ministry of Shipping, 28-year-old Mundresh has spent over a year waiting. Waiting for answers, waiting to celebrate, waiting to just hear some news from her 23-year-old brother, who has been a hostage on board MT Royal Grace for over a year. That piece of good news finally came today shortly post noon.

"My brother called from the ship. He said we are all ok. We have been released," she told NDTV over phone.

There wasn't time for much else since there were so many other waiting to share the same story with their families. There are 23 sailors on board MT Royal Grace, a Nigerian tanker, with 17 Indians among those.

"I was so numb, I could hardly speak. Then my brother shouted at the other end: we are free", she said.  "I have never cried so much."

As the news spread, hugs and sweets were exchanged but the real celebrations are yet to begin.

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In Hoshiarpur, Rajesh Kumar, whose 25 year brother is a first time sailor on board says his conversation with his brother was short. "The real celebrations will only begin when they are finally home. After what happened to 'Iceberg', we were very worried."

MV Iceberg, that was also hijacked in Somalian waters, with six Indians on board, was only released after 23 months in captivity.

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"There have been no celebrations, no cheer for over a year at home. All that can finally change now," said Sushil Kumar who was on board a train to Meerut.

The sailors are expected to be taken to Oman first before they head back home. The families are still waiting to officially hear from the Government of India, but for now, news of their loved ones return is enough to keep them going.