FV Tai Yuan 227 Released by Pirates

Although exact details surrounding the situation are not known at this time, there are indications that the Taiwanese flagged fishing vessel Tai Juan 227 has been released from pirate control. The vessel, which had a crew of 28 (Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipinos, Kenyans and Mozambicans) at the time of the attack, was pirated on 6 May 2010 whilst operating 700 Nm North East of The Seychelles.  Although direct contact with the crew has not been possible, the vessel’s owners apparently received a call from the master stating that they had been released but that they did not know why.  The crew were provided with fresh food and water by a US warship after the release.  The vessel is currently heading away from Somalia. There is confusion surrounding the details of the release as, until 3 days ago, the FV Tai Yuan 227 was suspected as being used as a pirate mothership.