Reports say Somali pirates release UAE-owned cargo ship

Source: Xinhua | 05-07-2009 09:43

MOGADISHU, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Somali pirates have set free the United Arab Emirates (UAE)-owned cargo ship after five days of capture, according to agencies' reports.

The reports said the vessel was carrying goods for Somali businesspeople when the incident took place.

No ransom was believed to be paid for the release of the ship, named Al Meezan, which was carrying goods like food stuff, second hand cars and other commodities.

Somali pirates have over the past year hijacked dozens of ships and over 250 hostages, taken millions of dollars in ransom payment. Insecurity within the Somali waters have pushed up insurance premiums and resulted in high freight costs.

Efforts to stop the raiders have so far had only limited success, with international naval patrols struggling to cover the vast areas of ocean where the gangs operate.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei