Athens: Somali pirates have released the Greek cargo ship seized on May 2. News of the release was confirmed by the ship's owner, All Oceans Shipping Co..
According to published reports, all of the "Ariana's" Asian crew members are in good health. Company officials say all the pirates have left the ship and it is currently near Somalia's Hobyo port.
The company also confirmed that a ransom had been paid. Officials declined to say how much was paid, acknowledging it could put other ships and crew members at risk or hamper negotiations.
The "Ariana" was carrying 35,000 tonnes of soya from Brazil to the Middle East when it attacked and hijacked northeast of the Seychelles. In November, pirates announced that an agreement had been reached on releasing the ship. The ransom figure given at the time, prior to negotiations falling apart, was more than $5 million. [11/12/09]
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