Diana Shipping Aquires Vessel

Diana Shipping Inc. has exercised the option to purchase a Panamax dry bulk carrier, the Yasmine Venture, of 73,546 dwt, built in June 2006. The vessel has a purchase price of $39.6m and is expected to be delivered to the Company in July 2006. Upon delivery the vessel will be chartered to Bocimar Belgium NV, Antwerp, Belgium, for 11 to 13 months at $21,000 per day net.