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MADRID (AP) — Spain's prime minister says Somali pirates have freed a Spanish trawler with crew of 36 after holding them hostage for more than six weeks.

Spain's Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero gestures, during a news conference at the Moncloa Palace in Madrid, Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009. Zapatero said Somali pirates have freed a Spanish trawler with crew of 36, after holding them hostage for more than six weeks but did not say if a ransom was paid for the release of the tuna boat 'Alakrana'. He told a news conference the 'Alakrana' "is sailing toward safer waters. All of its crew members are safe and sound."(AP Photo/Paul White)

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Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero says the tuna boat Alakrana "is sailing toward safer waters. All of its crew members are safe and sound."

He did not say if a ransom was paid for the boat's release Tuesday.

Self-proclaimed pirate Ali Gab had said in Somalia that the pirates were paid $3.3 million in ransom before leaving the ship. He says a Spanish warship nearby watched the proceedings.