The Saudi supertanker seized by Somali pirates in the world's biggest ever hijacking has been freed following a reported ransom payment of $3m. Last night the US navy released a photo showing a small package apparently containing the ransom parachuting to the deck of the Sirius Star from a small aircraft. The Sirius Star, which was carrying 2m barrels of oil when it was captured on November 15, sailed from the pirate lair of Harardheere on Somalia's eastern coast today.Two Britons - chief engineer Peter French, from County Durham, and second officer James Grady, from Renfrewshire - are among the crew of 25 who were all reported to be unharmed.
The Saudi supertanker seized by Somali pirates in the world's biggest ever hijacking has been freed following a reported ransom payment of $3m. Last night the US navy released a photo showing a small package apparently containing the ransom parachuting to the deck of the Sirius Star from a small aircraft.
The Sirius Star, which was carrying 2m barrels of oil when it was captured on November 15, sailed from the pirate lair of Harardheere on Somalia's eastern coast today.
Two Britons - chief engineer Peter French, from County Durham, and second officer James Grady, from Renfrewshire - are among the crew of 25 who were all reported to be unharmed.
A Saudi supertanker that was captured by Somali pirates in November carrying two million barrels of oil has been released, reports quoting pirates say. A regional maritime group also said pirates had left the Sirius Star, Reuters news agency reported. A negotiator for the pirates told the BBC a $3m (£1.95m) ransom was paid. A small plane was seen apparently dropping the ransom by parachute onto the tanker. The ship's owner has refused to comment. The vessel, with 25 crew, is the biggest tanker ever to be hijacked.
A Saudi supertanker that was captured by Somali pirates in November carrying two million barrels of oil has been released, reports quoting pirates say.
A regional maritime group also said pirates had left the Sirius Star, Reuters news agency reported.
A negotiator for the pirates told the BBC a $3m (£1.95m) ransom was paid.
A small plane was seen apparently dropping the ransom by parachute onto the tanker. The ship's owner has refused to comment.
The vessel, with 25 crew, is the biggest tanker ever to be hijacked.
