Thai Cargo Ship Released on $5 Million Ransom

Published Nov 20, 2012 9:36 AM by The Maritime Executive

EU NAVFOR reports that the general cargo ship MV THOR NEXUS has been released from pirate control. The Thai flagged and owned vessel was sailing to Bangladesh from Jebel Ali in the UAE when she was attacked on December 25, 2010.

Somali pirates told the Associated French Press that they received a ransom of $5 million to release the MV Thor Nexus. One of the pirates told the news agency that their associates from Puntland captured the ship a few months ago and after receiving the ransom on Tuesday, released the vessel from Eel Dhanaane.

The vessels owner, Thor Nexus Shipping says the crew of 27 is safe and in good health and the vessel is headed to a safe port.

According to EU NAVFOR, pirates are currently holding an estimated 26 vessels and 558 crewmembers. Officials also believe that several smaller vessels, such as Dhows and yachts are also being held.