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Pirates release German cargo ship Pirates release German cargo ship
(40 minutes later)
A German-flagged cargo ship captured by Somali pirates and held for nearly four months has been released after a ransom was paid, officials say.A German-flagged cargo ship captured by Somali pirates and held for nearly four months has been released after a ransom was paid, officials say.
The Hansa Stavanger cargo ship was seized in April far out to sea, some 400 miles (645 km) from the Somali port of Kismayu.The Hansa Stavanger cargo ship was seized in April far out to sea, some 400 miles (645 km) from the Somali port of Kismayu.
A ransom, reportedly some $2.7m (£1.6m), was paid to the pirates.A ransom, reportedly some $2.7m (£1.6m), was paid to the pirates.
The release of the vessel and its 24 crew members was delayed while the ransom was raised.The release of the vessel and its 24 crew members was delayed while the ransom was raised.
A pirate named only as Hassan told Reuters: "We are now in Haradheere town. We left the ship after we took the money. I believe it has sailed away." A pirate named only as Hassan told Reuters news agency: "We are now in Haradheere town. We left the ship after we took the money. I believe it has sailed away."
A spokesman for the European Union's anti-piracy mission confirmed that the ship and her crew had been released.A spokesman for the European Union's anti-piracy mission confirmed that the ship and her crew had been released.
The vessel was under the protection of European naval forces, the spokesman said.The vessel was under the protection of European naval forces, the spokesman said.
Somalia has been without a functioning central government since 1991, allowing pirates to operate in one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.Somalia has been without a functioning central government since 1991, allowing pirates to operate in one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.
Earlier in June the EU, which co-operates with Nato in the region, agreed to extend its anti-piracy operation there until the end of 2010.Earlier in June the EU, which co-operates with Nato in the region, agreed to extend its anti-piracy operation there until the end of 2010.
Two dozen ships from European Union nations, including Britain, France, Germany and Italy, patrol an area of about two million square miles.Two dozen ships from European Union nations, including Britain, France, Germany and Italy, patrol an area of about two million square miles.