Somali pirates release Saudi oil tanker

The pirates are now $3 million richer. Reuters

MOGADISHU (Reuters) - Somali pirates freed a Saudi supertanker seized in the world's biggest ship hijacking for a $3 million ransom on Friday.

The capture of the Sirius Star and its $100 million cargo of crude in November drew attention to a surge in piracy off Somalia that has brought global navies rushing to protect one of the world's most important shipping lanes.

Farah Osman, an associate of the pirates speaking to Reuters from Haradheere port near where the tanker was held, said the gang had wanted more money but finally agreed $3 million. "The pirates are now arguing about division of the money," he said.