A Philippine-flagged chemical tanker with its 23 Filipino crew was released on Tuesday after nearly half a year's captivity by Somali pirates, the government said.

The MT Stolt Strength, hijacked by pirates off Somali waters on Nov. 10, 2008, is now under the command of its captain Abelardo M. Pacheco and is proceeding to safer waters, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said in a press release.

"The Philippine Government conveys its appreciation to all parties which helped facilitate the release of the vessel and the regaining of freedom for its long-suffering crew and their families," it said.

The release of MT Stolt Strength brought down the number of Filipino seafarers in the custody of pirates to 85, including three Filipino crew on the Belgian-owned Pompei seized on Saturday.

(Xinhua News Agency April 21, 2009)