MV Iceberg Remains in Pirate Control Despite Reports of Release

After media outlets just reported the release of the Dubai-based MV Iceberg 1 on Tuesday after being held by pirates for 19 months, Somalia Report announced that the ship and its 23 hostages are still being held captive for an $8 million ransom payment. 

The 4,500-ton Iceberg 1 owned by Azal Shipping Company was announced released on Tuesday when AP subsequently retracted their story.  Then Somalia Report broke disappointing news.  A spokesman of the pirate group holding the Iceberg 1 and crew told Somalia Report that they are still aboard the vessel in the Garacad area, and have not received a ransom payment.  The pirate, called Adan, said that they would not release the vessel without their ransom demand.

PHOTO: MV Iceberg 1, courtesy of EUNAVFOR

The Panamanian-flagged cargo ship was hijacked by Somali pirates on March 29th 2010 while sailing in the Gulf of Aden en route for the Jebel Ali Port carrying mechanical instruments. 

So far, the Iceberg 1 remains the longest-held ship by pirates.