Abducted S. Korean sailors return home

INCHEON, Feb. 23 (Yonhap) -- Five South Korean sailors released by Somali pirates after nearly 90 days in captivity thanked their government upon returning home Monday.

Looking tired but relieved, the sailors arrived at the Incheon International
Airport after a stopover in the United Arab Emirates, where they received medical
check-ups during their two-day stay.
"I appreciate the South Korean government's help in freeing us safely," said Seo
Byung-soo, 58, the captain of the ship. "I'm sorry for causing worry to the
people."
The MV Chemstar Venus, owned by a Japanese shipping company, was hijacked on Nov.
15 last year in the pirate-infested Gulf of Aden. Its 23 crew members, including
18 Filipinos, were released on Feb. 13 in exchange for a ransom of an undisclosed
sum.
South Korea's legislature is expected to approve a government motion this week to
dispatch a destroyer to Somali waters to fight piracy.