Ukrainian Voyager to be Freed from Somali Captivity

In his words, the conflict can be defused after Bosaso is visited by leaders of the local Puntland schooner confederation. It was also officially informed that African authorities would return the confiscated money and documents to the Ukrainian yachtsmen. There is also an official assurance of the port supervisor that the Voyager will be returned.

"As before, our four yachtsmen are kept in a local hotel," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs press center adviser told The Day, "We will keep the situation in Somalia under control until it is resolved completely."

It will be recalled that the Ukrainian yachtsmen were taken into custody on December 24 by fishermen from a local tribe when weather conditions forced them to cast anchor off the Somali coast to repair the engine. They were freed on January 3, but without documents, money, or the yacht.

The formal pretext for violating the Ukrainian citizens' rights was the allegation that the Voyager had been fishing illegally.