Family relief at hostage release

Mr French is in good spirits and looking forward to getting home.

The wife of an engineer held hostage onboard the hijacked supertanker Syrius Star, has spoken of the family's relief at his release.

Hazel French, the wife of Peter French from Leamside, County Durham, who is the ship's chief engineer, said on Monday they were elated and relieved.

Somali pirates released the vessel after a $3m (£1.95m) ransom was reported to have been paid.

The 25-strong crew is expected home soon following their two-month ordeal.

Difficult time

A plane was seen apparently dropping money by parachute onto the ship, which is carrying two million barrels of oil.

Mrs French said: "This has been a very difficult time for everyone, especially at Christmas and at New Year, but we are now looking forward to his return home."

"I have spoken to Peter and he is good spirits and looking forward to time at home with his family and a little relaxation.

"Hopefully it will not be too long before Peter is back.

"We would like to say thank you to everyone, both family and friends who have been such a huge support to us over the last two months."