(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-04-27 13:17

File photo shows the released Spanish fishing boat Playa de Baki. [Xinhua]

MADRID -- A Spanish fishing boat and its 26 crew members seized off the coast of Somalia last week have been released, the Spanish government said Saturday.

The Basque tuna fishing boat Playa de Baki has been released and is on her way to "safer waters" escorted by a Spanish frigate, Spain's Deputy Prime Minister Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega said.

The 26 crew members are in perfect condition, Fernandez De la Vega said, without specifying whether any ransom was paid or if military force was used.

This undated photo shows some of the crew members of the Spanish registered tuna fishing vessel, the Playa de Bakio. [Xinhua]

The release had been achieved through negotiation in London between the Spanish government, the ship's owners and representatives of the hijackers, she said, adding that the government has taken steps to ensure that "a similar situation does not take place again."

The fishing boat was seized by pirates 200 nautical miles from Somalia last Sunday and Spain sent the navy frigate Mendez Nunez to the area to help rescue the vessel.

Somalia has not had an effective central government for more than 17 years and is plagued by insecurity. The country's coastal waters are considered to be among the most dangerous waterways for shipping in the world.

Last year more than 25 ships were seized by pirates in Somali coastal waters despite US navy patrols, according to the International Maritime Bureau.

The global maritime body advises merchant ships to stay at least 200 nautical miles from the country's coast.

The seizure of the Spanish trawler came two days after a Paris court charged six Somalis with taking the crew of a French luxury yacht hostage earlier this month.