Russia confirms ransom demand made for Arctic Sea

The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed on Wednesday that a ransom demand had been issued for the return of the Arctic Sea vessel before it was located and freed by a Russian warship on Monday.

MOSCOW, August 19 (RIA Novosti) - The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed on Wednesday that a ransom demand had been issued for the return of the Arctic Sea vessel before it was located and freed by a Russian warship on Monday.

"Crew members have confirmed that hijackers had issued a ransom demand" and threatened to blow up the ship if it was not paid, a ministry spokesman said.