Tehran - An Iranian-chartered cargo vessel which was hijacked last November by Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden has been released, Iran's Shipping Company said Saturday.

The vessel, which was flying a Hong Kong flag, was released on Friday night after 52 days, and both crew members and the wheat cargo were unharmed and continuing to Iran, Fars news agency quoted a company spokesman as saying.

The spokesman did not say whether any ransom was paid to the pirates. (dpa)