Somali pirates free Lehmann Timber.

After a "large" ransom is paid.

Pirates have released a German cargo ship and 15 of its crew members unharmed, which was seized 41 days ago after receiving a large ransom, a shipping company said today.

East Africa's Coordinator of Seafarers Association, Mr Andrew Mwangura mentioned that the pirates released the MV Lehmann Timber after receiving US$750,000 ransom, saying soon after release the vessel was sailing for a safe port a day after the hijacking ended.


Unfortunately, the German Yachties are still being held. See here.


Pirates are currently demanding US$2 million dollars for the release of a German couple seized on 23 June as they sailed through the Gulf of Aden on a trip from Egypt to Thailand. This kidnapping is said to be the first instance where sea robbers snatched a small vessel ferrying a non-militant crew.



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