Somali pirates released Ukrainian-crewed ship

11.03.2011 Somali pirates released commercial vessel MV York with two Ukrainian crewmen on Wednesday, reports Ukrainian foreign ministry.

Pirates hijacked Singaporean-flagged LNG tanker MV York in Oct 2010 off Kenya. There are 17 crewmembers on board the ship – one German, two Ukrainians and fourteen Filipinos.

"Late in the evening of March 9 tanker MV York was released from pirates' captivity; there are two citizens of Ukraine aboard. Currently, the tanker is heading for one of the safe ports; nothing threats to health and lives of Ukrainians", said the press release.

Ukrainian foreign ministry did not report details of the ship's release.

Thirty five Ukrainians have been freed from pirates' captivity through the recent 12 months.

Two citizens of Ukraine are still held hostages on captured ship MV Dover which was captured in Feb; one Ukrainian – on MV Beluga Nomination captured in Jan; six Ukrainians – on MV Blida captured in Jan.