Seized crude carrier carrying Filipino, 28 other seafarers freed

MANILA, Philippines—Somali pirates have released a United Arab Emirates-flagged crude carrier and its 29 crewmembers, including a Filipino, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Tuesday.

“The vessel is now sailing towards Salalah in Oman, and arrangements for the repatriation of the Filipino seafarer to Manila are being made,” the DFA said in a statement.

MT Zirku, seized by Somali pirates on March 28 about 250 nautical miles South East of Salalah, Oman, was released last Friday, the DFA Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs said.

The crew were in good condition, said Captain Gaudencio Collado, Armed Forces of the Philippines Liaison Officer to the Combined Maritime Forces.

To date, there are 78 Filipino seafarers on board eight vessels still in the hands of Somali pirates.