The government of Djibouti has released all crew members from two abandoned Probulk Shipping & Trading bulkers after they were sold.

Following their release, the West of England protection and indemnity club has accused Djibouti of treating the crew members as "hostages", and has called for action by international organisations.

The crew members have been stuck on the 45,700-dwt Ptolemeos (built 1995) and the 46,700-dwt Arybbas (built 1996) for months, in some cases more than a year.