ROK ship freed by pirates off Somalia

Negotiations lead to freedom for a crew after 7 months' captivity

SEOUL - Somali pirates have freed a hijacked Republic of Korea (ROK)-operated supertanker and its 24 crew after seven months of captivity, officials said on Sunday amid reports that a record ransom was paid.

On Saturday, the Singapore-flagged MV Golden Blessing was released by pirates, according to the ship's captain, and the ship - all 19 crew members are Chinese - was escorted by Chinese naval forces to safe waters.