Pirates on seized freighter shared with hostages

'We have neighbors'
In the meantime, the crew saw first one, then another captured vessel drop anchor in the blue waters alongside them.

"At first I thought, 'Wow, we have neighbors,'" Tanada said. Then the warships and helicopters arrived.

One of their new neighbors was the Ukrainian ship, the MV Faina. Tanada discovered it was full of arms when he listened to the Ukrainian crew talk to coalition forces on the VHF radio twice a day.

Both the pirates and their hostages on the Centauri got spooked by the extra surveillance. Tanada worried the foreign navies might try to intervene, risking the lives of the captives. Although he could not understand them, he believes the pirates shared his concerns. Shortly after the Faina and its entourage of monitors arrived, the other two ships were moved away.

Experts say the pirates on the ships are generally foot soldiers who are paid a fixed amount. The negotiations are done by middlemen who have access to satellite phones and are fluent in English.

If the ship is held for a long time, the middlemen may put together a group of investors who raise cash for supplies and other costs that will be recouped — with interest — once the ransom is paid.

In rare instances, Somali clan elders will intervene to free a ship without ransom if it is bringing goods to the Somali people.

Tanada said he was not involved in negotiations and was allowed to speak on the phone only once — to establish the identity of those claiming his capture. He did not know which pirate bargained for the freedom of him and his crew.

'We're going home'
Small milestones rolled by with the passing waves: a crew member turned 40. On the other side of the world, a daughter graduated from school.

But last week, on a day much like any other, the pirates took Tanada aside. They said he would be allowed to leave in three days. There was no word on ransom.

"So I just told the crew, 'We're going home,'" he said.

On Nov. 27, the engines groaned to life. A ribbon of white foam uncurled in the sea behind them. And the Centauri pointed its bow toward Mombasa, leaving the other two captive ships behind.

More on Somalia

More from msnbc.com World Cup or world stage? N. Korea on display Africa’s mad about soccer, but Europe’s the goal Pontiac hits the end of the road  Counterfeiters pose holiday safety hazard Red Tape: Hidden fees more annoying than dog poop  On Twitter: Breaking news updates | Weird and wild

MORE FROM AFRICA

Africa Section Front

Blast hits Somali graduation ceremony Lovgren: Africa’s mad about soccer, but Europe’s the goal Some in crew blame captain in pirate raid S. Africa to treat all HIV-positive babies Admiral: Sea too big to stop all piracy Rat pack: Scientists warming up to African rodent Africa Section Front   Add Africa headlines to your news reader: