Russian cruiser Neustrashimy showered with praise after helping cargo ship cross Gulf of Eden
02.02.2009 The Far Eastern Maritime Company profusely thanked the crew of the escort vessel of the Russian Baltic Fleet Neustrashimy for providing protection during the crossing by the cargo ship Enisei of the Gulf of Eden, which is now known as a cesspool of pirates.
“Thanks the professional actions of the sailors of the Baltic Fleet, the ship, which was sailing from the U.S. city of Lake Charles to Bandar Khomeini, Iran, with 31,555 tonnes of rice aboard successfully crossed the dangerous area and reached the port of destination,” a letter addressed to Commander of the Northern Fleet Vice Admiral Viktor Mardusin and signed by the Director of the Far Eastern Maritime Company Vladimir Korchanov reads.
The Enisei crossed the Gulf of Eden this past December in a convoy escorted by the Neustrashimy. A group of Marines from the Russian warship was disembarked on the cargo ship.
“The crew of the Neustrashimy demonstrated the ability to effectively carry out one of its main task: the escort and protection of Russian commercial ships and ensuring free navigation. I am certain that our Navy will always be the pride of Russia and a trusted shield in the world oceans,” Korchanov wrote.
The Neustrashimy, which began a mission on September 24 of last year, spent a great deal of time in the Gulf of Eden with a mission to protect shipping companies from the attacks of pirates off the coast of Somalia. The vessel escorted tens of cargo ships from various countries, protecting them from possible attacks by pirates.
The Neustrashimy, accompanied by the tanker Elynya, is now steaming toward Russian shores. It is expected to reach its base of Baltiysk this February.