Merchant vessel MV Sinin, captured by Somali pirates in February 2011, was released on Saturday after several months of negotiations. The vessel, which had 21 persons onboard, including nine Indians, is expected to reach Colombo, Sri Lanka in another week.

“The Directorate-General of Shipping has been informed that MV Sinin, which was hijacked by Somali pirates on February 12 this year, has been released on August 13. Total crew of 21 persons, including nine Indians are reported to be safe,” read a statement issued by shipping authorities.

After the release of the 52,446 tonne-bulk carrier, the owners of the vessel have provided for replenishment of stores, fuel and security for the vessel so that it can reach Colombo by August 19. “Once the ship reaches Colombo, the vessel is likely to be dry docked

for extensive inspection for damage or repairs needed,” read the statement.

The Malta flagged ship was confirmed to have been captured around 350 nautical miles east of Masirah, an island off the Oman’s coast. The European Union Naval Force has been monitoring the situation of the vessel since February 2011. The Naval force’s main task is toescort merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid under the “World Food Programme” and vessels of African Union Mission in Somalia apart from protecting vulnerable ships from Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden and in the Indian Ocean. (Deccan Chronicle)