'Arctic Sea' finally reaches destination in Algeria

Moscow (Earth Times - dpa) - The "Arctic Sea", the Finnish-owned, Maltese- registered ship believed to have been captured by pirates in early August has reached its destination in Algeria, Interfax news agency reported Thursday. The ship was due to deliver its load of wood worth millions of dollars in early August, but went missing and was only recovered in mid-August off Cape Verde by the Russian navy, which said it had freed it from pirates.

Governments and spy agencies of around 20 countries were involved in investigating the incident. Reports said the "Arctic Sea" might have been carrying radioactive material or weapons, possibly smuggling them to Iran.

Both Russia and the ship owners denied the reports, saying it was only carrying timber.

The freighter was returned to its owners in Malta in late October. The Malta Maritime Authority said then that inspectors had not found dangerous cargo on board the ship after checking it for several hours.

The eight men charged as pirates, most Estonian, are awaiting trial in Moscow. The 15 Russian crew members, who claimed they were tied up and tortured, have returned to their families.