Pirates released Panamanian ship for $3.1 mln

10.02.2010 Source: RIA Novosti, photo: Al Khaliq (shipspotting.com)

Somali pirates said the Panamanian vessel captured in Oct had been released for $3.1 ransom, informs France Presse.

According to France Presse, the question is dry cargo ship Al Khaliq which had been hijacked by pirates late Oct 2009 in Indian Ocean 180 nm west Seychelles.

"The ship which had been restrained for a long time was released this afternoon when pirates received a $3.1 mln ransom", Mohamed Ilkase, pirates' leader said by phone.

The crew of Panamanian-flagged vessel Al Khaliq consists of 26 men; 24 out of them are Indians and two Burmese.