Tears, relief as Somali pirate hostages land in Kenya

A group of 26 hostages freed from nearly five years in the hands of Somali pirates touched down in Kenya on Sunday, with both tears and smiles marking the end of their ordeal.

The relief of the men was palpable, with some unable to hold back tears while others hugged each other and smiled broadly.

John Steed, coordinator of the Hostage Support Partners (HSP) who helped negotiate their release, had gone to the Somali city of Galkayo to fetch the crew of the Naham 3, who had been held hostage for longer than any other crew except one.