Action: Maran Centauras released

The Greece-registered Maran Centaurus is released by pirates after what is called a record-breaking ransom estimated at $5.5-$7 million. The ship had been taken 11/29/09with 28 crew aboard.

A dispute between two rival pirate groups over the spoils had delayed its release.

Ecoterra International, a Nairobi-based group that monitors shipping off Somalia, said two pirates had been killed in a gun battle with a rival gang as they returned to shore.

"The stash of the record-breaking ransom ... is reportedly now held in a heavily guarded house in Haradheere," it said, adding that the pirate-run port was now very tense because the sharing of the funds had not yet taken place.

(Reuters, 01/18/10)