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Somali pirates receive ransom, release Germans
Two Germans kidnapped by pirates off the coast of Somalia and held captive for five weeks have been released. The couple, named only as 63-year-old Jurgen K and his companion, 51-year-old Sabine M, were sailing through the Gulf of Aden when they were seized. A ransom worth $1m (600,000 euros; £500,000) was reportedly paid to secure their release. Yacht ransacked Speaking to reporters, the president of the semi-autonomous region of Puntland apologised for their experience. Adde Muse vowed that if the Puntland authorities captured the pirates behind the kidnap they would be jailed or executed. "We are really sorry for what happened," Mr Muse said during in Bosasso. "We put a lot of effort towards their release and I wish to thank everyone who helped." The couple - who were beaten and given very little to eat during their ordeal - appeared dishevelled and upset during the news conference and were unable to comment. During the kidnap the couple's yacht - en route to the Thai coast - was ransacked. The pair were then taken to the northern Somali region by speedboat. Posted by: lotp 2008-08-10 |
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