NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — The European Union Naval Force says Somali pirates have freed a North Korean chemical tanker and its 28 crew after the owners delivered a ransom.
Cmdr. John Harbour says the vessel had not asked for assistance after it was released on Tuesday but that warships were monitoring the situation. He could not provide details on the ransom.
The MV Theresa VIII was hijacked on last November northwest of the island nation of the Seychelles.
The London-based International Maritime Bureau says Somali pirates captured 47 vessels last year and launched 217 attacks.
Experts say piracy will continue to be a problem until an effective government is established on Somalia's lawless shores.
