Pirates release ship after ransom payment

A Greek owned vessel that was captured by pirates was released after the pirates reportedly took a ransom, Radio Garowe reports. The MT LIQUID VELVET was captured by Somali pirates last October as it traveled to India. The 22 member crew - 21 of whom are Filipino and 1 Greek - was released unharmed and are now heading to Oman. Reportedly the pirates demanded 8 million dollars for the 17 year old Japanese built tanker. After prolonged negotiations sources say that the pirates settled for much less than their initial demand. There were reports earlier this year that the vessel was used as mother-ship for pirate operations.  According to sources the vessel was being held in the Harardheere area and was moved along the coast periodically. Some media outlets are reporting that the owners paid an 4 million dollar ransom for the vessel but those reports are unconfirmed as of yet. Ships captured by pirates have declined in the year 2012 after the increased presence of international naval ships patrolling Somali waters.

Date: 10 June 10, 2012                                                               Source : Garowe Online