30.10.2009
Somali pirates consented to release Greek vessel Ariana with 24 Ukrainians aboard, reported Reuters on Oct 29.
Parties have arranged details of the vessel release, said a pirate named Hassan in phone talk. According to agreement achieved, pirates will get $3.5 mln as a redemption.
"We will leave the vessel in two days after getting the money. Crewmembers are safe, talks are finished, although it took us much time", said Hassan to
Reuters reporter.
Bulker
Ariana with 24-men Ukrainian crew aboard was hijacked by pirates in Indian Ocean near Seychelles on May 2. The ship sailed off Brazil with cargo of soybeans; shipowner is Maltese company
Candela Shipping, operator is British
Seven Seas Maritime.
It was reported that shipowner started negotiations with captors about vessel release, but pirates demanded too high redemption – not less than $10 mln. After hijacking it was revealed that pirates abused and tortured crewmembers.
In August crewmembers called in aid to Ukrainian government with request to speed up the release process. Captives were exhausted, surrendered all hope of release and one of two female sailors was seriously ill, said
Ariana's shipmaster then.
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