The seven SAA crew members still trapped in the Trident Hotel India, Mumbai, since terrorist attacks that left more than 100 people dead remain in good health, the foreign affairs department said on Friday.

"Foreign affairs minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma telephoned them on Thursday. The crew indicated that despite their ordeal, they remain in good health," said spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa.

Foreign news agencies reported that teams of gunmen stormed hotels, a restaurant, a train station and hospitals in co-ordinated attacks, taking westerners hostage.

Mamoepa said the SAA crew members expressed their gratitude to Dlamini-Zuma for the support they have received so far from members of the South African diplomatic corps and consular affairs based in Mumbai throughout their ordeal.

Dlamini-Zuma assured them that the government was doing everything in its power to ensure their safe return to South Africa as soon as conditions permit.

While the seven SAA staff are still trapped in the hotel, seven others — including three pilots — are safe. Two Sars officials are also safe.

On Thursday, SAA sent an aircraft to Mumbai to pick up its crew and the South Africans.

Meanwhile, SA President Kgalema Motlanthe joined world leaders in extending South Africa's heartfelt condolences to the government and people of India, in particular to those families who lost loved ones.

"The government has expressed its outright condemnation of the attacks," said Mamoepa.

A group of suspected Muslim militants had claimed responsibility for the attacks.

South Africans can contact the foreign affairs consular section in Pretoria on 012-351-1000 regarding their relatives in Mumbai.

Sapa