Arab Maritime Petroleum Transport has paid out one of the highest ransoms on record to secure the release of one of its tankers, it is claimed.
Pirates holding the 105,846-dwt Zirku have walked off with a $12m haul, newswires report.
The pirates’ payday is thought to be the second highest ever after the $13m Greek owner NS Lemos shelled out to free the 319,300-dwt Irene SL (built 2004) in April.
A member of the gang holding the 2003-built Zirku revealed the huge payout in a boast to Reuters this weekend.
It would mark a relatively quick release for the ship and its 29 crew after three months in pirate hands.
Pirates hijacked the tanker 250 nautical miles South East of Salalah in late March.
The release has yet to be confirmed by navy forces in the area.
Tags: Arab Maritime Petroleum Transport Piracy Pirates Zirku