Zapatero confirms Alakrana 'safe', 'sailing towards safer waters'

Spain's prime minister says Somali pirates have freed a Basque trawler with crew of 36 after holding them hostage for more than six weeks.

Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero did not say if a ransom was paid for the release of the tuna boat Alakrana. He told a news conference the Alakrana "is sailing toward safer waters. All of its crew members are safe and sound."

The Alakrana was seized by pirates in the Indian Ocean on Oct. 2 with 36 crew aboard, one of at least 13 ships being held off the Somali coast along with more than 230 crew as hostages.

"Most of our colleagues have left the Spanish ship. We may free it some time today," the pirate, who gave his name as Nor, told Reuters by phone from the pirate haven Haradheere.