The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry can not confirm whether the Ariana vessel has been released by pirates, despite western media reports alleging it has been freed.
The vessel has a Ukrainian crew.
"Diplomats do not confirm the alleged release of the vessel. Pirates are still in control of the vessel," a ministry source told Interfax.
Somali pirates seized the Ariana under the Maltese flag in the Gulf of Aden on May 2. The Greek company, Alloceans Shipping Co Ltd, is the vessel operator. All the 24 crewmembers are Ukrainian citizens.
