Prometheus 6

The pirates first asked for $35 million, but came down to $20 million. And they always indicated that they were ready to entertain discounts. 

Somali Pirates Reportedly Near a Deal
By JEFFREY GETTLEMAN

NAIROBI, Kenya — The Somali pirates who hijacked an arms-laden Ukrainian freighter nearly two weeks ago may soon be getting their treasure — loads of it, maritime officials and associates of the pirates said on Wednesday.

After sticky negotiations, which several people involved likened to bazaar-style haggling, a deal seemed to be close in which the pirates would be paid millions of dollars and the ship would be freed.

“The pirates and the ship owners have agreed on around $8 million,” said Ahmed Omar, a businessman in Xarardheere, a notorious pirate den on the coast of Somalia. “The ship may be freed today or tomorrow.”

Maritime officials in Kenya were more cautious, saying crucial details had to be worked out. For starters, the pirates were asking for guarantees that they would not be arrested or blown out of the water by the armada of American warships currently circling them.

“This isn’t like buying a used car and driving off,” said a maritime official in Kenya. “The lousy money is only part of this.”

Still, the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said Wednesday, “Progress is being made. The parties are getting closer.”