Iranian-Chartered Ship Released by Somali Pirates

TEHRAN (FNA)- An Iranian-chartered ship which was seized in the Gulf of Aden by Somali pirates in November was released.

The ship named “Delight,” which was carrying 36,000 tons of wheat when it was hijacked, was released Friday night, the urgent reaction committee of the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) told FNA.

All 25 members of the crew are now in good health, and the Hong Kong-flagged Delight is sailing towards Iranian port.

It is not clear if any ransom had been paid for the release of Delight.

On Friday, Somali pirates also reportedly freed a Saudi-owned super-tanker carrying 2 million barrels of crude oil which was also hijacked in November.

Somali pirates also said yesterday they were hopeful a Ukrainian ship loaded with tanks and weapons would be freed soon. Pirates holding the Ukrainian MV Faina said they might lower their ransom demands and release the ship in the coming days.

Also on Friday, the pirates Saudi tanker Sirius Star was freed after a $3-million ransom was parachuted in.