Pirates Discuss Ransom for Arms Shipment

But demands diminish as international noose appears to tighten

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 1, 2008 3:23 PM CDT

(Newser) – The Somali pirates who hijacked a Ukranian ship carrying a weapons shipment are in ransom negotiations with the vessel’s owners, the BBC reports. No governments are involved in the talks, sources said. The pirates seem to be flexible: They initially asked for a $35 million ransom, then $20 million, and now “it’s down to $5 million,” one source said.

The commanding officer of a US Navy ship monitors the pirated vessel. (AP Photo)

In this picture released by US Navy on Sept. 28, 2008, Somali pirates in small boats are seen alongside the hijacked "Faina". (AP Photo)

In this picture released by US Navy, Somali pirates in small boats are seen alongside the hijacked ship "Faina". (AP Photo)

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Pirates Discuss Ransom for Arms Shipment

But demands diminish as international noose appears to tighten

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Pirates Discuss Ransom for Arms Shipment

But demands diminish as international noose appears to tighten

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Somalia • Africa • Ukraine • pirates • weapons • cargo ships

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Somali Pirates Score $3.2M Ransom, Release Arms Ship

Pirates receive $3.2M ransom after September hijacking

Hit Pirates With Somalia Blockade

Policing them where they hold their prey is more effective than ocean patrols

British Pirate Captives Beg for Help

Death looms without ransom

Maersk Alabama Repels 2nd Pirate Attack

Attempted takeover repelled by guards

Pirates Hijack Yacht, Kidnap UK Couple

Brits reportedly safe after yacht seized off Somalia

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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What is Newser?