NEW DELHI: Somali pirates today released Vessel MV Jubba along with 16 crew members, including five Indians off an Island which forms part of Yemen.
Shipping Ministry sources said the UAE-based general cargo freighter was released this morning and the 16 crew members are believed to be safe. The Vessel was hijacked by them on July 16.
The Vessel belonging to Juba General Trading was on its regular route from the United Arab Emirates to the port of Berbera, Somalia with the crew members including a Sri Lankan, three Bangladeshis, a Sudanese, a Myanmarese, a Kenyan and four Somalians, when it was captured.
"We are yet to recieve further details," sources said when asked about whether ransom was paid.
The sources said the hijacked vessel was a general cargo freighter having a capacity of 2,100 tonne.
Former Pakistani Federal Minister for human rights Ansar Burney played an important role in seeking release of the ship and its crew.
In a release issued by his Trust, Burney said Somali pirates have released another seized Vessel MV Jubba in the wee hours of today. He also appreciated and lauded the efforts of United Arab Emirates.