Following a request by the Spanish government, Port Victoria has offered safe harbor to the released vessel. The release of the vessel marks the end of protracted negotiations led by the Spanish government in coordination with other partners for the release of the vessel and its crew.(African Press Office, 11/18/09)
Linked to the negotiations were the fate of two pirates captured and taken to Spain after the incident. Pirates holding Alakrana demanded $4 million and the release of their comrades. The Alakrana crew was released without the pirates being freed. Spanish papers report that pirate families were given $50,000. (Wikipedia, "List of ships attacked by Somali pirates," 12/31/09)
Pirates told reporters $3.5 million was paid. (Reuters via Barcelonareporter.com, undated)
