Pirates receive Ariana ransom

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Ariana

THE GREEK operator of the hijacked bulker Ariana told Fairplay today that it has paid a ransom for the ship's release. THE GREEK operator of the hijacked bulker Ariana told Fairplay today that it has paid a ransom for the ship's release.

“The ransom has been paid and we’re now waiting for the pirates to get off the ship,” Spyros Minas, head of Athens-based Alloceans said. He would not say how much was paid.

The Maltese-flagged vessel with 24 crew members was carrying 35,000 tonnes of soya from Brazil to Iran when seized on 2 May, southwest of the Seychelles.

Minas said the ship “will have no choice but head northwards” after it is released, but he could not say which port it would call at first.

The 69,041dwt Ariana is owned by Candela Shipping.