SOMALI Pirates reportedly freed the Anglo-Eastern-managed chemical
tanker for US$8 million ransom, reports London's TankerOperator, topping the highest reported ransom paid of $7 million.
Last September, pirates released the 1,743-TEU MSC Panama, seized the previous December, after reportedly receiving a $7 million ransom for the vessel and its 23-man crew. Pirate ransoms averaged $4 million, according to New York insurance risk consultants Marsh Marine Practice issued last summer.
Said Hong Kong-based Anglo Eastern: "Once the agreement to release the vessel had been reached, the vessel was supplied with fuel, fresh food, medicines and armed guards before proceeding to a safe port. A replacement crew has now taken over the vessel."
It was believed that when hijacked, the ship had no armed guards on board. However, she had sailed into the Gulf of Aden with armed guards, but they were dropped off at Muscat in compliance with harbour rules.
Crew by 21 Indians, the ship was waiting for berthing instructions near Salalah Port when it was hijacked on August 20.
The 26,350 dwt ship was enroute to China from Saudi Arabia, having anchored off Salalah Port to load methanol after discharging at Al Jubail in Saudi Arabia.
Last September, pirates released the 1,743-TEU MSC Panama, seized the previous December, after reportedly receiving a $7 million ransom for the vessel and its 23-man crew. Pirate ransoms averaged $4 million, according to New York insurance risk consultants Marsh Marine Practice issued last summer.
Said Hong Kong-based Anglo Eastern: "Once the agreement to release the vessel had been reached, the vessel was supplied with fuel, fresh food, medicines and armed guards before proceeding to a safe port. A replacement crew has now taken over the vessel."
It was believed that when hijacked, the ship had no armed guards on board. However, she had sailed into the Gulf of Aden with armed guards, but they were dropped off at Muscat in compliance with harbour rules.
Crew by 21 Indians, the ship was waiting for berthing instructions near Salalah Port when it was hijacked on August 20.
The 26,350 dwt ship was enroute to China from Saudi Arabia, having anchored off Salalah Port to load methanol after discharging at Al Jubail in Saudi Arabia.