Danes freed by Somali pirates safe in Djibouti

DJIBOUTI, Aug 28 (Reuters) Five Danish seafarers abducted by Somali pirates two months ago arrived safely in Djibouti today and were all in good health, a Western official said.

A ransom was reportedly paid last week for the safe return of the MV Danica's crew, who had been transporting building materials from Dubai to Kenya when they were seized off Somalia in the world's most dangerous waterway.

''The Danish crew have arrived in Djibouti and are in good health. They plan to leave tonight,'' said the Western official, who is not authorised to speak to the media.

Danish TV2 News reported security firm Protocols said it had paid 1.5 million dollars for the release of the cargo ship and crew.

Just days after the Danica was captured, a US Navy warship destroyed three small pirate boats being towed behind it, but was forced to abandon the chase after it entered Somali waters.

Such attacks have increased since an Islamist movement that brought a semblance of order to Somalia for six months was ousted in January. Piracy remains a significant threat to sea trade and cost billions of dollars annually.

REUTERS MS BST2050