Pirates release seven Indian hostages

Crew from MT Asphalt Venture finally released

Pirates release seven Indian hostages

Somali media is reporting that seven Indian hostages, the remaining crew from the MT Asphalt Venture, hijacked in 2010. According to local media, the men were flown from Dusamareb airport in central Somalia to Mogadishu. Negotiations between the pirates and local representatives of the Somali government were credited with the release, although there are unconfirmed reports that a ransom was paid.

If confirmed, then today’s release means that Somali pirates still hold some 33 crew hostage. The news coincides with the final day of the Dubai anti-piracy conference, giving the delegates a good news story to discuss.