Somali pirates release Spanish fishing vessel after ransom promise
After being promised a ransom of $3.5 million, Somali pirates have released a Spanish fishing boat and its 36 crew members they held for six weeks,. There was no immediate confirmation that money was paid. The release marks a turnaround after pirates demanded Spain release two of their fellows, who are facing trial, in return for the vessel. Spain’s defence minister recently called for an EU naval taskforce to blockade three pirate ports in Somalia. Huge ransoms are often paid by shipping companies to release boats and crew, with governments turning a blind eye. Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero told news agencies only that the government did what it had to do. Read more: BBC, BBC
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