Russian freed after Somali pirates quit ship

Somali pirates have released a German cargo vessel with 15 men on board after the owner paid a $US 750,000 ransom. One Russian and four Ukrainians were among the crew members let go when the Lehmann Timber was freed. The ship had almost run out of food an

Marine expert Mikhail Voitenko, who took part in negotiations, said five pirates have left the vessel, which is now believed to be heading out of Somali waters towards the open seas.

Voitenko also said most of the crew members are in poor health after their six-week ordeal.