Somali pirates free chemical tanker with 25 Indians onboard

NAIROBI: A diplomat says Somali pirates have freed a Liberian-flagged chemical tanker with 28 crew onboard, including 25 Indians.

The MT Biscaglia was seized on Nov. 28 with 25 Indians and 3 Bangladeshis onboard. An Irishman and two British security guards jumped overboard during the attack and were rescued.

The diplomat who confirmed the release today asked for anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

Last year Somali pirates hijacked over 100 ships. Most are released after the payment of a ransom but at over a dozen are still being held.