A chemical tanker with two Russian crew members onboard has been freed by Somali pirates in exchange for a $1.6-million ransom. The release comes after the UN Security Council voted unanimously to step up international action to fight piracy off the coast
The resolution called on all countries with a stake in maritime safety to send ships and military aircraft to confront the criminals. Within the last three months, pirates have seized 16 vessels. Ten vessels and one yacht remain under the pirates' control. According to different sources up to five Russians are among those still being held.