Somali pirates release crew from vessel after months in captivity

September 17 ------ Somali pirates have released the Saint Kitts and Nevis-flagged general cargo vessel Sward and its 17-member crew after about 138 days in captivity.

The vessel was released near Garacad, Puntland, on September 11, after being seized off Somalia on April 26 while sailing from the Suez Canal towards Mombasa. The crew comprises 15 Syrian and two Indian nationals and was reported to be in good health. According to Puntland security sources cited by AFP, the pirates received a ransom before leaving the vessel in small boats and travelling ashore, where vehicles were waiting for them.

The amount of ransom paid for the Sward remains unclear. Reports have cited figures ranging from about $200,000 to $2.7 million, while an ÆGIR maritime intelligence report estimated approximately $1.7 million. Puntland sources and AFP confirmed that money was paid but did not provide a consistent figure.

The vessel, operated by Marshall Islands-based Asena Shipping and belonging to the fleet of Mersin-based Alphamoon Shipping, was carrying about 4,500 tons of subsidized fertilizer destined for Kenya’s National Cereals and Produce Board and tea cooperatives.

During its captivity, Sward was reportedly used as a mothership to extend the pirates’ operating range and launch attacks against other vessels. Security sources linked the vessel to the seizure of two Iranian fishing vessels and the Cameroon-flagged cargo vessel Lutuf. The release of Sward comes amid a renewed resurgence in Somali piracy.

Source: safety4sea.com