Five Korean sailors who were held captive by Somali pirates for nearly three months have arrived safely in the United Arab Emirates.

The MV Chemstar Venus, owned by a Japanese shipping company, was hijacked November 15th last year in the pirate-infested Gulf of Aden. The vessel's 23 crew members, including five Koreans, were released February 13th.

Venus captain Seo Byung-soo, 58, said no one was seriously wounded while they were held captive, though all of the sailors lost about ten kilograms because of lack of food.

The sailors will receive medical check-ups Sunday at a hospital in the port of Fujairah before departing for Seoul Monday.