BSF marines repelled pirates' attack on Koniukhov's yacht

08.10.2010 Black Sea Fleet (BSF) marine unit repelled pirates' attack on Fedor Koniukhov's yacht St. Victory in the Gulf of Aden by fire for effect, reported RIA Novosti citing Vadim Tsyganov, the cruise initiator, poet, sculptor, and participant of the incident happened on Oct 1.

"When three boats tried to attack our yacht, marines opened fire for effect from a machinegun and two Kalashnikov rifles. After that the boats altered the course and sailed towards Yemen", said Tsyganov.

He explained that marines from BSF anti-terror group located on tug SB-36 boarded St. Victory in Oman. That was made to escort the yacht to Djibouti for replenishment of supplies. "As is known, that is the most piracy-risky region", said Tsyganov.

Five fast-speed boats heaved in sight in the evening of Oct 1; two of them approached tug SB-36 to distract attention. Other three boats were following the yacht one kilometer away from her aft. When the tug sailing at a speed of 12 knots moved forward (yacht St. Victory can move not faster than 7 knots), the three pirate boats got closer and shortened the interval to 300 meters, said Tsyganov. "After report, anti-terror group commander ordered to open fire for effect", said Tsyganov.