Georgian Captain Recounts Somali Hostage Ordeal: 'They Treated Us Mercilessly'

By Marina Vashakmadze, Daisy Sindelar



BATUMI, Georgia -- After nearly a year and a half at sea as a hostage held by Somali pirates, Memed Zakaradze is relieved to know his grandchildren in this Georgian port city still recognize him. "They've grown up in my absence," the 63-year-old Zakaradze says ruefully. "But they still remember me."In September 2010, Zakaradze was captaining a run-down tanker, the "Olib G," through the perilous Gulf of Aden when his ship was approached

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