Somali pirates release German-operated MV Ems River cargo ship and its crew after holding the vessel for more than two months
As claimed by Somali pirates, and a regional maritime expert, in a Reuters report that the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged, German-owned 5,200 dead weight tonne cargo ship, EMS River, has been released from pirate control. She was hijacked off Oman en route to the Suez Canal on her way to San Nicolas, Greece from Jebel Ali in the UAE at the time of the attack on December 27. "We just got off the MV Ems River after getting a $3 million ransom. It has just sailed away peacefully," a pirate who identified himself as Jama told Reuters by phone from Halcaanood in the semi-autonomous Puntland region.Kenya-based maritime expert Andrew Mwangura confirmed the release but could not verify the reports of a ransom.
The merchant vessel had been reported as hijacked by pirates 75nm off the Oman coast (175 miles Northeast of Salalah) even though the crew had retreated to the 'Citadel', or safe room at the end of December. Released after 2 months held in captivity is somewhat of a rarity, and brings the average duration, based on last 6 ships to be released, back below 200 to 189, said a maritime lawyer who regularly deals with Somali piracy and hijackings.
EMS River has a crew of 8 (1 Russian, 7 Filipinos) and carrying a cargo of Petroleum. The shipowner reports that the crew are unharmed and well.
MV EMS RIVER (Image source: EUNVAFOR)
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