Koreans released in Somalia

In an effort to continue making this site appear a blog, I bring more pirate news courtesy of Talbain. The Korea Herald reported this week that eight Koreans were released after being detained by pirates the last four months. The prisoner exchange brought the pirates $800,000 USD which seems fairly good swag for only 25 fisherman.

The government has said the kidnapping appeared to be connected to monetary demands rather than political issues.

There have been frequent hijacks of boats containing international relief supplies by pirates in the area, but there have not been any casualties reported after the victims were released in return for money, the ministry explained.

Not to play Captain Obvious, but maybe that’s because the kidnappers are pirates. Pirates are not affiliated with governments, and probably have little motive in grabbing a ship other than one part to get a ransom and two parts because they can.