Somali pirates have released a Bangladesh-flagged vessel and its 23-member crew after a ransom was reportedly paid.
The MV Abdullah was carrying coal from Mozambique to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) when it was hijacked off Somalia's coast about a month ago.
The pirates alleged that they received $5m (£4m), but there is no independent confirmation of the claim.
A spike in hijackings has been reported off Somalia's coast in recent months.
More than a dozen vessels have been targeted since late November.
Security experts said a security vacuum had developed off Somalia's coast after foreign navies patrolling its waters turned their attention to the Red Sea, where Yemen's Houthi rebel group have been attacking ships.
Between 2005 and 2012, pirates off the Horn of Africa raked in between $339m and $413m by holding crew members hostage and demanding ransom payments, the World Bank has estimated.
Latest Stories
-
NPP has created 2.1m jobs in seven years – Bawumia
1 min -
Akosombo Dam spillage: We’re considering a class action suit against government – Ablakwa
6 mins -
Government offers teacher unions about 70% increment in continuous professional development allowance
25 mins -
Everyone must show interest in depleting pension funds – Pensions Expert
35 mins -
African Business Heroes: African SMEs ready to compete for a share of $1.5m grant
51 mins -
My government will partner with faith-based groups in development – Bawumia
1 hour -
Joy Prime’s Prime Morning to host show at sea in May Day celebration with Ghana Navy
1 hour -
Why increase contribution rate when you can’t manage what is given you? – NAGRAT asks SSNIT
2 hours -
There are greener pastures in Ghana – Prof Owusu-Dabo
3 hours -
Myjoyonline Interview with Abubakar Tahiru: Guinness World Record Holder for ‘Most Trees Hugged In An Hour’
3 hours -
JoyNews’ Clinton Yeboah honoured at 2023 Int’l Sports Media Awards in Spain
4 hours -
14 PWDs selected for maiden Africa Health Collaborative Medicine Counter Assistant training
4 hours -
Manchester United open to offers for nearly all of squad
5 hours -
Price of LPG per kilogramme constitutes 22% of taxes – LPG Marketers Association
6 hours -
Nigeria appoint Finidi George as new Super Eagles boss
7 hours