Why did the US crew return the pirate?

"Second Mate Ken Quinn told CNN in a live interview Wednesday that the crew also had held a hostage. "We had a pirate, we took him for 12 hours," Quinn said. "We returned him, but they didn't return the captain." http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30103371/ Of course I don't know the circumstances, but this sounds strange. Why would anyone want to return the only bargaining point, and not make sure the proper exchange takes place? Maybe someone has more details?

Public Comments

1. they didn't speak the same language, it was a misunderstanding
2. He didn't say - "May Eye"
3. Maybe they were tricked. Maybe the pirates said they would return the captain if their pirate was released.
4. they should have kept him as a bargaining chip then when the pirates came in for the trade, shot them all dead i mean how did this even happen there are laws that prohibit seamen from carrying firearms in international waters even though stupid laws like that create situations like this
5. Yes, it does sound strange, but this whole incident is strange. Emotions are running high, the crew wants their Captain back, and they believe that the Somalis will follow the rules of the game. They quickly discovered, to their horror I am sure, that honor and fair play are not what these pirates are about.