GALLIANO, La. - U. S. officials said two American sailors employed by a Louisiana company and kidnapped by pirates off the coast of Nigeria were released over the weekend and heading back home, according to ABC News.

The officials reported the two sailors were released after a successful negotiation and ransom payment, and were both safe and healthy.

They were kidnapped off the C-Retriever, which is registered to Galliano-based Edison Chouset Offshore, on Oct. 23 while sailing off the coast of Nigeria. ABC News previously reported the company was negotiating for the sailors' release.

According to reports, the two captives were the ship's captain and chief engineer.