FV Prantalay sailors released after almost 5 years of detention

(BRUSSELS2) The four Thai sailors from "FV Prantalay 12" still in the hands of Somali pirates were released on Wednesday (25 February). The fishing vessel, flying the Thai flag, was captured in April 2010 by Somali pirates. Of the 24 crew members, 14 sailors (Burmese) were released in May 2011. Six died in custody. For the released sailors, it is the longest detention in the history of modern Somali piracy: almost 5 years of detention. A ransom of 150.000 dollars would have been paid according to testimonies collected by AFP. The ship had been used as a mother ship by the pirates before sinking in May 2011. The last release dates back to October 2014 with the release of sailors from the Asphalt Venture. According to the "pirates-B2" base, there are still 26 sailors left for the Somali pirates, those of "FV Naham 3".