Somali media report that the crew members of an Iranian fishing boat who were taken hostage by pirates a few days ago have managed to kill their captors and escape.
AFP quotes eyewitnesses and local fishermen saying the fishing boat was released following “intense shooting” and the death of a number of pirates.
Last week, an Iranian fishing boat and its 15 crew members were captured by pirates off Somalia’s northern coast.
AFP reports that seven pirates were killed and two were injured in the incident.
Pirates have attacked Iranian ships and fishing boats off Somali coasts on several occasions. Last March, two Iranian vessels were taken. Crew members from one managed to escape last summer. The 26 crew members from the other vessel still remain captive.