Somali pirates release Omani ship held for six months

Bosasso: An Omani ship held by Somali pirates for six months has been released, a senior government official said on Thursday.

"The Omani ship held for six months was released last night," Abdiqadir Muse Yusuf, assistant minister for fisheries in northern Somalia's Puntland region said.

"I think a ransom was paid but I do not know the exact amount," he added.

Members of the ship's Filipino crew are safe and on their way home, Yusuf said.

Somali pirates often capture ships off the coast of the African nation. Last week, four ships were taken within 48 hours.