A Saudi super-tanker that was captured by Somali pirates in November carrying two million barrels of oil has been released, reports quoting pirates say. (Photo from the BBC)From Yahoo News/AP:
MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somali pirates released an oil-laden Saudi supertanker after receiving a $3 million ransom, a negotiator for the bandits said Friday. The ship owner did not confirm it.
The MV Sirius Star, a brand new tanker with a 25-member crew, was seized in the Indian Ocean Nov. 15 in a dramatic escalation of high seas crime.
Mohamed Said, a negotiator with the pirates, told The Associated Press by telephone the ship has been released and was traveling to "safe waters."
A Western diplomat based in Nairobi, Kenya, also said the ship was free, citing the International Maritime Organization. He requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.
The ship owner, Vela International Marine Ltd., declined comment on the claim Friday.
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More News On Somali Piracy
Somali pirates say they have released Saudi supertanker -- Yahoo News/AFP
Somali pirates free Saudi supertanker -- Yahoo News/Reuters
Somali pirates free oil tanker the Sirius Star -- The Telegraph
Somali pirates release hijacked supertanker Sirius Star and crew -- Times Online
Saudi tanker 'freed off Somalia' -- BBC
Hijacked Saudi oil tanker Sirius Star on the move -- The Guardian
FACTBOX: Ships held by Somali pirates -- Reuters
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