Pirates release hijacked ship,Indian crew safe

Maltese flag vessel MV Sinin,which was hijacked by Somali pirates on February 12,was released on Saturday. Among the 21 crew members aboard the ship,nine are Indians and all of them are reported to be safe.

Officials said the ship owner had provided necessary provisions and fuel so that the vessel can sail to Sri Lankan shores and reach there by August 19. The vessel is expected to be docked at Colombo for inspection.

The 52,000-tonne bulk carrier was attacked by Somali pirates 315 nautical miles off Masirah in Oman when it was on its way to Singapore from the United Arab Emirates. The ship had sent a distress signal,following which a reconnaissance aircraft had then pictured two suspicious skiffs near the vessel. The ship had then changed direction towards the Somali coast.