Pirates Free Spanish Ship

The release of the Spanish fishing vessel Alakrana by the Somali pirates who hijacked it was confirmed by Spain's Prime Minister.

[Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Spanish Prime Minister]:
The fishing boat Alakrana sails to safer seas. All the crew members are safe and sound."

The Alakrana, seen here in the hands of the pirates, was hijacked with its 36 crew six weeks ago in the Indian Ocean.

Claims by one of the pirates that a 3.5 million dollar ransom was paid have not been confirmed.

Relatives of some of the crew members wept with relief at the news their ordeal was over.

[Francisco Jose Bottello, Relative of Crew Member]:
"It's been a very emotional moment. I'm sorry, I'm so excited but only seeing my aunt's face, her suffering and the agony she's gone through in the last few days, there are no words to describe how I feel right now."

Spain is pressing ahead with charges against two suspected Somali gunmen picked up by the Spanish navy near the Alakrana.

They're being held in Madrid accused of armed robbery and kidnapping.

Originally, the pirates said the vessel would not be released unless both men were freed.

The pirates, many based in the central Somali enclave of Haradheere, still hold at least 13 ships and more than 230 crew.

The latest to fall victim is a chemical tanker seized 180 nautical miles off the coast of the Seychelles on Monday.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• NTD
• NTDTV
• Spain
• Alakrana
• Somalia
• Pirates
• Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero
• Indian Ocean
• Robbery
• Kidnapping