Somali pirates released Greek Ariana vessel with 24 Ukrainian crew members. The ship was seized in May 2009, while heading from Brasilia to Middle East. The ship-owners paid large amount of ransom for the vessel to be released, Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko stated December 10, 2009.

According to the Head of Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service Nikolai Malomuzh, crew members are in good health and Ariana will sail to the nearest port within 5-7 days.

However, there are some problems with boat's engine, Interfax reports.

L.A.