Somali pirates have released the 15-member crew of the Bulgarian ship MV Panega, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov said on Thursday.

He offered no indication as to whether a ransom had been paid to secure their release.

The news was confirmed by the Navigation Maritime Bulgare (NMB) company, owner and operator of the vessel, Novinite.com reported.

The company said the ship was in good condition and on its way to a safe port.

The MV Panega was hijacked by Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden on May 11.

It was traveling empty, en route to India to be sold for scrap.
sections: World News