Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega told a news conference that negotiations held in London had secured the release of the 26 fishermen aboard the El Playa de Bakio.

The Typically Spanish Web site said 13 of the mariners were from Spain, and that the boat would be back in Spain early next week.

The Playa had been boarded last week. Spain responded by sending reconnaissance planes and a warship to the scene as the London talks took place.

It was not known if the ransom demanded by the pirates had been paid.