Somali Pirates Release Ransomed Greek Ship

The Greek-owned cargo ship, MV Filitsa, has been released by Somali pirates following payment of an undisclosed ransom by her owners. Photo by europa.eu

The Greek ship MV Filitsa, held since November 10, 2009 by Somali pirates, has been released in exchange for a ransom. The vessel sailed on Tuesday morning to Kenya with the crew in "good health", according to Greek harbor police.

Monday’s release followed payment of a ransom by the ship’s owners, Athens-based Order Shipping Co, said Michael Battzoglou, a security officer and company spokesman. He declined to say how much had been paid to the pirates.

The 23 000 ton cargo ship was manned by three Greek officers and a Filipino crew. The Marshall Islands-flagged ship had been heading from Kuwait to Durban, South Africa, when it was attacked 800 kms northeast of the Seychelles.

Since the hijacking, the vessel had been anchored near Hobyo, north of Mogadishu, where at least two other ships are being held - Asian Glory and St James Park - both with Bulgarian sailors among their crews. Bulgarian media had reported earlier on Tuesday that these crews might be released in March.

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