South Korean sailor freed in Somali hijacking
One of the 23 sailors aboard a Japanese tanker commandeered by Somali pirates was freed safely, but other crewmembers were still believed held by the hijackers, an official told Associated Press Wednesday.
'The sailor — one of two South Koreans aboard the Golden Nori — returned home with South Korean officials this week, an official at the Foreign Ministry said on condition of anonymity, because of ministry policy,' the report said. 'The official refused to disclose why the South Korean sailor was released first or any other details, citing safety concerns for the remaining 22 crew. Negotiations have been under way to free the Japanese chemical tanker, currently anchored in Somali waters. The ship’s crew is from the Philippines, South Korea and Myanmar. The U.S. Navy came to the aid of the Japanese vessel, with the guided missile destroyer USS Porter at one point opening fire to destroy pirate skiffs tied to it.'