BBC News with Jonathan Wheatley

A record ransom has been paid to Somali pirates in exchange for a South Korean tanker. About $9m was paid for the Samho Dream, which was seized in April while carrying oil from Iraq to the United States. In a separate move, nearly $3m was paid for the Golden Blessing, a Chinese-owned chemical tanker registered in Singapore. Somali pirates are holding at least 25 other ships. Kevin Mwachiro reports.

The Chinese tanker has already been released and is reported to be under Chinese naval escort to safer waters. It had been in pirate hands since April, anchored off the coastal town of Hobyo in central Somalia. The ship's 23 crew members are said to be in good health. It's reported that the South Korean tanker with its cargo of oil and 24 crew will be released later in the day.