Some good pre-Christmas news. gCaptain is reporting the crew longest held by Somali pirates has finally been released. The Iceburg I was seized on March 29, 2010. Its crew of 24 was promptly abandoned by the owners who went out of buisness. Since then the crew has endured abuse, torture, and starvation. One man was reported murdered by the pirates and a second committed suicide.

About two weeks ago Puntland authorities made an unsuccessful attempt to rescue them. Why they have been released now is unclear.