Garowe Online (Garowe)

Somalia: Pirates Release Panamanian Vessel

9 February 2010

Somali pirates have released a Panamanian-flagged ship with 26 crewmembers, which was hijacked more than three months ago, after a ransom was paid.

The ship, MV Khaliq and its 26 crew, consisting of 24 Indians and 2 Burmese was seized October 22, some 180 nautical miles west of the Seychelles.

"On the 9 of February 2010, the Panama flagged bulk carrier MV Al Khaliq, with a crew of 26 (24 Indians and 2 Burmese), was released after payment of a ransom," said the statement without giving details on ransom amount.

However, reports say the sea gangs received $3.1 million to release the vessel, which is now heading to the Kenyan port of Mombassa.

Somali pirates are currently holding more than 200 crew members onboard at least 11 vessels waiting for ransom.

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