German Pirate Victims Released

The German couple — known in the press as Jürgen K. and Sabine M. — who were kidnapped from their yacht by Somalian pirates on June 23 were released on Saturday after 41 days of captivity. The German newspaper Der Spiegel has reported that the couple were set free after a $1 million ransom was paid, half of what the pirates had initially demanded. In an account of their ordeal, the couple told of being beaten and rarely fed while guarded by as many as 50 people. Though medical supplies were brought in for 63-year-old Jürgen, who suffers from diabetes, the couple appeared to be in weak condition and were treated at a hospital in Nairobi before returning home.

As this drama was coming to a close, the Yemen government was reported to be searching for another yacht suspected of being targeted by Somali pirates. The story had not been confirmed or denied at presstime.