German chemical tanker with 19 Indians freed by Somali pirates

MOGADISHU - Somali pirates have reportedly released a German-owned chemical tanker having 19 Indians, two Bangladeshis and a Ukrainian lonboard, after allegedly receiving a 5.5 million dollars ransom money.

According to the BBC, pirates armed with rocket-propelled grenades seized the Marida Marguerite in May.

Andrew Mwangura, head of the Kenya-based East African Seafarers’ Assistance Programme, has said that on Tuesday afternoon, said that the Marida Marguerite was ’sailing to safe waters’ after the pirates were paid 5.5 million dollars.

However, neither vessel owners nor any other authority have confirmed the claim, but though analysts say such deals are widespread. (ANI)