Pirates release hijacked Greek oil tanker

MOGADISHU, Somalia, Nov. 22 (UPI) -- Pirates off the coast of Somalia have relinquished control of a Greek-owned oil tanker commandeered two months ago, officials said Saturday.

East African Seafarers Association head Andrew Mwangura said the MV Genius, its 19 crew members and refined oil cargo are no longer under the control of pirates, the BBC reported.

"The pirates released the ship today and it is now sailing to freedom," Mwangura said.

The Greek Merchant Marine Ministry confirmed the ship had been released and was on its way to the United Arab Emirates.

Specific details concerning the ship's release, including the possible payment of ransom to the pirates, were not reported.

The Genius was hijacked Sept. 26 while traveling through the Gulf of Aden, the BBC said.

The British broadcaster said the vessel was taken the same day as a Ukrainian ship, MV Favina, which has remained under pirate control.

Somali pirates have been blamed for the hijacking of eight vessels during the last two weeks, including another oil tanker.