National
Talks continue in the Spanish fishing boat kidnap off Somalia
By h.b.
Apr 24, 2008 - 7:24 AM

The Somalian pirates who are holding the crew of the Spanish tuna fishing boat, ‘Playa de Bakio’ hostage are now reported to have asked for 400,000 € to release the boat and the crew.

Talks are continuing, now under the gaze of the Spanish naval frigate, Méndez Núñez, which has now arrived in the area.
The families of those being held say the 26 crew, including 8 gallegos and 5 vascos are all well despite being held in this way since last Sunday.

Angelines Mariño, wife of the Captain, Amadeo Álvarez, told the press that her husband had told her by telephone that they are being treated very well and they have been allowed ashore. The talks are reported to be going well, in what is nevertheless expected to be a long process.

Spanish Foreign Minister, Miguel Ángel Moratinos, has said a P-3 Orión patrol plane is now also deployed in the area as the talks continue. He was not in a position to confirm whether the crew had been allowed ashore or not.