Russian mariners took boarding hooks and automatic rifles as a pirate trophy

26.05.2010 Ship release operation of tanker Moscow University from Somali pirates was conducted in fierce skirmish. As Capt 1 rank Ildar Akhmerov, Pacific Fleet (PF) task unit commander said to RIA Novosti, pirates made first shots upon Russian helicopter conducting night reconnaissance. Russians responded by machinegun fire.

After brief battle it was decided to recall the helicopter to the deck of Marshal Shaposhnikov and try to affect pirates by psychological pressure. They were warned to be killed, if they would not lay down arms and release the crew. There was no response, so Russian marines started assault operation.

21 marines divided into three teams were sent to release Moscow University. Right after marines boarded the vessel and secured the poop, pirates ended resistance, capitulated, and asked to let them off.

"Nobody was injured among Russians, only pirates were – one was killed, three were wounded, ten were captured. Injured captors were rendered medical aid", said Ildar Akhmerov.

According to Lt. Col. Andrei Ezhov, marine unit commander taken part in release of the Russian tanker, battle was brief but pretty hot.

"Indeed, marines from Marshal Shaposhnikov went through the operation without a scratch, although bullets whizzed past. One of them even heated my ear", said Ezhov.

After excellently accomplished mission the crew of Russian ASW ship took a rest in African port of Djibouti and then sailed off again. Next task of Marshal Shaposhnikov is to form a 5-ship convoy to escort through the most risky zones of the Horn of Africa and the Gulf of Aden.

PF large ASW ship Marshal Shaposhnikov on May 6 successfully freed tanker Moscow University from Somali pirates.