Neustrashimy helped to release hijacked bulker

08.02.2010 Source: RIA Novosti, photo: RNS frigate Neustrashimy (arabic-military.com)

Russian frigate Neustrashimy Friday took part in release of Slovenian ship Ariella from Somali pirates' captivity, having intercepted boat with seven pirates, informed The Times on its official website on Saturday.

It was previously reported with reference to John Harbour, spokesperson for the EU NAVFOR Somalia that bulker Ariella flying the flag of Antigua and Barbuda had sent distress call Friday morning.

According to online Maritime Bulletin, the crew of Ariella consists of 25 men: seven Ukrainians, one Slovenian, fifteen Filipinos, one Indian and one Bulgarian. The owner of the ship sailed from Sevastopol to Surabaja (Indonesia) is Slovenian company Splosna Plovba d.o.o.

Danish warship which was deployed nearby came to rescue captured sailors. Marines approached the bulker on several cutters, got on board and released the sailors locked in a ship's compartment, Mr. Harbour said. Although he did not specify whether pirates had showed resistance and whether there were sufferers in the course of operation.

According to the EU official, that was the first case when warship was "hot on the trail" of pirates and released hijacked civil vessel.

In her turn, RNS Neustrashimy intercepted another boat with seven pirates on board who were also involved in Ariella's capture but stood off, reports The Times.

It is uncertain where are those pirates arrested by the Russian frigate at present. Russian party is authorized to either prosecute them itself or to extradite them to Slovenia as a state representing Ariella or hand them over to authorities of nearest countries – Kenya or Seychelles, explains The Times.

Frigate Neustrashimy was the first Russian warship charged with counter-piracy mission. The ship's commander is Capt 2 rank Alexei Apanovich.

Somalia can't find the answer to the problem of piracy since this country ceased to exist as united state in 1991 with falling of Siad Barre dictatorship governed the country since late 60-ies. Currently, international community recognizes Federal Government of Somalia as the only lawful authority in the country; however, the named government controls only a part of capital city, Mogadishu. The rest parts of Somalia are either under control of unrecognized state formations or self-governed territories which leaders have different and sometimes even contrary views on integration under reign of Mogadishu.