The "Ems River" was released on Feb 28, 2011, 4 a.m. LT by the hijackers. No comment on ransom by Grona Shipping. The crew of eight is to be exchanged in a nearby port after medical treatment, then the vessel is to proceed to its destination in Greece.

Pirated in 27 December

In the early hours of 27 December, the MV ems river was pirated approximately 175 nautical miles North East of the port of Salalah, Oman. The 5,200 tonne general cargo ship, which is Antigua/Barbuda flagged and German owned, was on her way to San Nicolas, Greece from Jebel Ali in the UAE at the time of the attack.

She has a crew of 8 (1 Romanian, 7 Philipinos) and is carrying a cargo of Petroleum. The pirated vessel MV MOTIVATOR was in the vicinity of ems river throughout the attack which further enforces the current pirate modus operandi of the use of motherships.