Eight Iranian seafarers have been released by Somali pirates after being held in captivity since May 2016, according to Tehran Times.

The released was reportedly a result of negotiations held between Senegal’s embassy in Somalia and the pirates.

An Iranian Member of Parliament, Ali Yar Mohammadi, was cited as saying that, following their release, the seafarers were taken to the Senegalese embassy in Mogadishu.

Media reports suggest that up to a dozen more Iranian sailors, who were taken from a different vessel, are still being held hostage as the pirates are requesting a large ransom for their release.

The officials are continuing their efforts to secure the release of the remaining captives.

World Maritime News contacted relevant authorities for more details on the matter.

World Maritime News Staff