A report from many sources, including the MGN on Thursday, 09 October 2008 said:The Japanese-controlled, Panama-flag chemical tanker Irene was released by its Somali hijackers yesterday, according to the Philippine online news service News, Balitaph.
The report said that the under-secretary for migrant worker at the country's Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Esteban Conejos, has confirmed that the 15 Filipino crew members were released, in apparently good physical condition, at 23:30 local time yesterday.
The ship, with a total crew of 19, is reportedly now heading towards Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. Philippines embassy officials are expected to arrange for the Filipino crew members to be repatriated to Manila.
It is believed that 11 merchant ships are still being held to ransom in Somali waters.
Dr Geoff Pound
Image: Ship called Irene (not entirely sure whether this is the one. Can anyone confirm?)
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