(CNN) -- A cargo ship seized by Somali pirates off the coast of Kenya was freed Monday after one day under siege, and the German-based Beluga Shipping company said its crew of 16 was unharmed. The pirates were thwarted after the crew of the MV Beluga Fortune locked themselves in a panic room and switched off the main engine, cut off the fuel supply, blocked the bridge and reported the Indian Ocean attack to military forces, said Niels Stolberg, president and CEO of Beluga Shipping GmbH. The pirates, seeking a million-dollar ransom, were unable to maintain control of the vessel, and naval forces were able to come to the rescue, Stolberg said in a statement. The vessel continued its journey to Richards Bay, South Africa. "The excellent behavior of our colleagues on board made such a swift and happy ending of the capture possible," Stolberg said.
The vessel MV Beluga Fortune was held captive for one day . Crew locked themselves in a panic room, shipping firm CEO says . Naval forces come to rescue as crew of 16 unharmed .