Somali pirates release cargo vessel

A Panama-registered car-go ship seized by Somali pirates two months ago has been released after a ransom was air-dropped on to the vessel, maritime officials said yesterday.

The bulk carrier Navios Apollon was hijacked about 1,280km off the Somali coast north of the Seychelles while on its way from the United States to India with a cargo of fertiliser.

"The last gunman disembarked from the ship last night. She is steaming out to safe waters," said Andrew Mwangura of the Kenya-based East Africa Seafarers' Assistance Programme said by phone.

The vessel is managed by Greek firm Navios Ship Management. An unspecified sum of money was air-dropped on to the ship as a ransom.

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