Pirates release 3 RP seafarers, 67 remain in Somalia

Nearly six months of captivity finally ended for three Filipino seafarers after Somalian pirates released them Thursday, following a "prolonged and difficult negotiation."

The Department of Foreign Affairs said it learned of the release from the local manning agency of the Antigua and Barbados-registered MV Charelle.

"The release brings down the number of Filipino seafarers being held hostage by Somali pirates to 67, on board five vessels," it said.

Based on GMANews.TV's tally, however, 68 Filipinos seafarers on board six vessels remain kidnapped in Somalia and Nigeria.

Somali pirates hijacked MV Charelle off the coast of northern Oman last June 12.

Citing the information from the agency, the DFA said the Filipinos are "all in good health" and that their repatriation is now being arranged by the vessel’s principal.

It added the rest of the crew, which includes seven Sri Lankans, were also released.

MV Charelle is now sailing for the closest safe port under the watch of a naval warship, the DFA said.

The owners of the vessel thanked all the crew’s families “for their faith in the safe return of their loved ones, their strength throughout this ordeal, and for their support for the company," it added. - JHU, GMANews.TV, December 05, 2009