The story is that the pirates either settled for $300,000 "for expenses," or $1 million was paid, mostly by the Somali 'diaspora'.
The story also says that some time ago $450,000 was dropped from a plane to free the couple, but negotiations continued.
Associated Press, November 14, 2010.

The pirates use small, fast skiffs, well-armed, and converge on the prospects. In a vast ocean, the international efforts only catch the unwary. Some have compared the piracy to the efficiency of mafia operations.