'I am relieved and happy and celebrate with the crew members and their family members that this interminably long four months as hostages are over,' he said.

He said he had confirmed through a telephone connection to the ship that the crew members were doing well, all things considered.

The ship's crew includes five Germans, three Russians, two Filipinos, two Ukrainians and 12 persons from the South Pacific nation of Tuvalus.

After being cared for in Mombasa, the crew would be sent on their way home to their respective countries, Leonhardt said.