Hijacked vessel Maran Centaurus released

London: Maran Tankers Management has reported that its 300,000dwt oil tanker "Maran Centaurus", hijacked some 762 miles off the coast of Somalia on November 29, was released by the pirates holding it at 0830 hrs local time today. The tanker with all crew on board is now under naval escort on route to a suitable safe port.

"All 28 members of the officers and crew of the Maran Centaurus are safe and well and looking forward to being reunited with their families, who have been kept fully informed of the situation throughout the period of the hijacking," the company said in a statement. "Maran Tankers Management  Inc. is delighted that  those on board, the vessel and  her cargo have been released. The company thank the master, officers and crew for their courage and fortitude in dealing with this very difficult situation in such a professional manner. The company  also thanks all those  government and non- governmental organisations who supported throughout, the effort to release the vessel. Special thanks are extended to the Greek Government and in particular the Minister of Defence, Mr Venizelos.

Maran Tankers Management Inc. will not be releasing any details of the dialogue which led to the release of the vessel, as they do not wish to provide any information which might in any way encourage further criminal acts of this kind.   [18/01/10]