LONDON, Jan. 18 (UPI) -- The oil supertanker Maran Centaurus was released by Somali pirates Monday after more than a month of captivity, its owners said.
Maran Tankers Management, the vessel's operator, said in a statement from London that the vessel has been freed amid reports the company paid the biggest ransom ever given to Somali pirates, The Financial Times reported.
The ship was seized Nov. 29 in the Indian Ocean 762 miles off Somalia's East Coast while carrying 2 million barrels of oil, officials said.
"The tanker with all crew on board is now under naval escort en route to a suitable safe port," Maran Tankers Management's statement said. "All 28 members of the officers and crew of the Maran Centaurus are safe and well and looking forward to being reunited with their families."
The newspaper quoted Andrew Mwangura of the East African Sailors' Assistance Program as saying there were conflicting reports about the size of the ransom paid.
Some reports claim it was $5.5 million, while others put the figure at $9 million. The Times said the sum is likely much larger than the $3 million paid to free the Saudi supertanker Sirius Star last year.
