Photo: The U.S. Navy has released this image of the MV Faina, which is loaded with weapons and tanks.Somali Pirates Said to Be Leaving Ship -- New York Times
NAIROBI, Kenya — After four months and seemingly endless negotiations, the wily band of Somali pirates who hijacked a Ukrainian ship packed with tanks and other weapons seemed on Thursday finally ready to let go.
According to one of the pirates, the owners of the ship had paid the ransom; the pirates had counted the money; and now they were just waiting for nightfall to slip away from the ship.
“Only around 10 pirates are still on board,” said the pirate, Isse Mohammed, on Thursday afternoon. “They will disembark this evening.”
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Pirates will release arms ship, says Ukrainian president -- CNN
Somali pirates: We're freeing Ukraine arms ship -- AP
Somali pirates free Ukrainian arms ship -- AFP
Hijacked Ukrainian arms shipment freed -- ABC News (Australia)
Russia 'satisfied' after release of Faina by Somali pirates -- RIA Novosti
Faina Free After Ransom Paid -- Maritime Global
Somali pirates are paid record $3.5 million ransom for MV Faina -- Times Online
FACTBOX-Ships held by Somali pirates -- Reuters