South Africa has thanked the Italian and Somalian authorities for the safe return of a local couple held captive by pirates for 20 months.

A South African man and woman taken hostage by Somali pirates in October 2010 have been released.

The families of a South African couple taken hostage by pirates in Somalia 19 months ago have received confirmation they are still alive.

Families of two SA hostages being held in Somalia after their yacht was hijacked by pirates on Monday pleaded for the couple’s release.

The brother of South African Deborah Calitz, the woman taken hostage by Somali pirates last year, said there is still no update on her whereabouts.