Madrid  - Two of the pirates alleged to have hijacked a Spanish fishing trawler ten days ago were delivered to authorities in Spain Monday, the nation's Defence Ministry reported.

Armed pirates hijacked the MS Alakrana in international waters off the Somali coast on October 2. The two men detained were caught as they attempted to cross to the mainland from the trawler.

The two suspects were bought to Spain by military helicopter, and will face charges of membership in a criminal organization, kidnapping and armed robbery.

The MS Alakrana and its crew of 36 remains in the hands of the pirates. The vessel is stationed off the Somali coast while Spain tries to obtain the release of its crew.  dpa