Nine Indians freed by Somali pirates after 6 mths

Ending a six-month ordeal, the crew of nine Indian and 12 Iranian sailors of cargo ship MV Sinin was freed on Saturday by Somali pirates.

"Nine Indian sailors along with 12 Iranians of M V Sinin have been released by the pirates today. All of them are safe," said Director General of Shipping S B Agnihotri.

The Somali pirates had on February 12 seized the Malta-flagged, 52,000 tonne bulk carrier 315 nautical miles off Masirah (Oman) while it was on its way to Singapore from Fujairah in the UAE.

Details like if ransom was paid to secure the release of the sailors and the ship were not immediately known.

The ship owner has provided necessary provisions and fuel so that the freighter can sail to Colombo.

The ship is expected to reach Colombo by August 19, following which it will be dry docked for extensive inspection, it added.

The names of Indian sailors, where they hail from and the date on which they will arrive home were not disclosed.