The British Royal Navy shot and killed 2 Somali and 1 Yemeni pirates. These pirates had been involved in an attempted hijack of a Danish cargo ship.
The HMS Cumberland crew fired the shots.
The Russian frigate Neustrashimy joined in the chase.
click here for article from Swiss News
click here for article from the Telegraph UK
Showing posts with label Neustrashimy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Neustrashimy. Show all posts
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Arms onboard the M/V Faina abandonded by receiver
An Associated Press article confirms neither the ship's owner nor the receiver in Kenya want the cargo onboard the M/V Faina. There is no mention if the shipper in Ukraine is interested in getting it back, but I rather doubt it.
"The arms-laden Ukrainian cargo ship MV Faina, (was) hijacked Sept. 25 with a cargo of 33 battle tanks and heavy weaponry.
The pirates who hold the Faina, said Monday that its operator wants to negotiate only for the release of the vessel and crew of 20 - and not its cargo.
The pirates' spokesman Sugule Ali said they received a fax on Friday from Viktor Murenko, the head of ship operator Tomex Team, saying Kenya had declined to pay any ransom for the cargo it claims.
The Murenko letter said the pirates are at, "liberty to destroy or throw the weapons to the sea if they deemed that fit," Ali told The Associated Press via satellite phone from the Faina.
In Russia, a spokesman for ship owner Vadim Alperin said such a thing was physically impossible as there was no way to unload or destroy the cargo with U.S. forces surrounding the ship.
"The ship owner doesn't care about the cargo, he has already cursed it in all ways possible," said Mikhail Voitenko. But he said that it was impossible to separate the cargo from the ship. "Physically it's impossible."
Kenya's Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetangula repeated that the government would not pay any ransom, and told the AP that Tomex Team is responsible for the cargo until it is delivered.
Ali said the pirates passed on a copy of Tomex Team's letter to the U.S. Navy, and that the Faina's captain, Viktor Nikolsky, confirmed the signature on the letter belongs to his boss."
I especially like the phrase "the ship owner..has already cursed it (the arms) in all ways possible". Yes, I think the arms have not only been cursed, but are cursed.
Sounds like the makings for the next Indiana Jones movie. Not to make light of the situation, but ya'll got to admit, if this wasn't so serious, it would be funny.
"The arms-laden Ukrainian cargo ship MV Faina, (was) hijacked Sept. 25 with a cargo of 33 battle tanks and heavy weaponry.
The pirates who hold the Faina, said Monday that its operator wants to negotiate only for the release of the vessel and crew of 20 - and not its cargo.
The pirates' spokesman Sugule Ali said they received a fax on Friday from Viktor Murenko, the head of ship operator Tomex Team, saying Kenya had declined to pay any ransom for the cargo it claims.
The Murenko letter said the pirates are at, "liberty to destroy or throw the weapons to the sea if they deemed that fit," Ali told The Associated Press via satellite phone from the Faina.
In Russia, a spokesman for ship owner Vadim Alperin said such a thing was physically impossible as there was no way to unload or destroy the cargo with U.S. forces surrounding the ship.
"The ship owner doesn't care about the cargo, he has already cursed it in all ways possible," said Mikhail Voitenko. But he said that it was impossible to separate the cargo from the ship. "Physically it's impossible."
Kenya's Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetangula repeated that the government would not pay any ransom, and told the AP that Tomex Team is responsible for the cargo until it is delivered.
Ali said the pirates passed on a copy of Tomex Team's letter to the U.S. Navy, and that the Faina's captain, Viktor Nikolsky, confirmed the signature on the letter belongs to his boss."
I especially like the phrase "the ship owner..has already cursed it (the arms) in all ways possible". Yes, I think the arms have not only been cursed, but are cursed.
Sounds like the makings for the next Indiana Jones movie. Not to make light of the situation, but ya'll got to admit, if this wasn't so serious, it would be funny.
Once again, Pirates make threats
Oct. 27th, Russia Today claims
"The Somali pirates who hijacked a Ukrainian freighter, the Faina, have issued an ultimatum. According to reports on Somali radio they've threatened to kill 20 crew members, if a multi-million dollar ransom is not paid within 24 hours."
It also makes comments that Russia may take some action.
"The Russian warship, 'Neustrashimy' (Fearless,) is now off the Somali coast where it will conduct anti-piracy patrols. It may also be used to intercept the Ukrainian freighter captured a month ago."
There are no reports in the African press regarding the ultimatum by the Pirates.
Could be the Russians are looking for an excuse.
"The Somali pirates who hijacked a Ukrainian freighter, the Faina, have issued an ultimatum. According to reports on Somali radio they've threatened to kill 20 crew members, if a multi-million dollar ransom is not paid within 24 hours."
It also makes comments that Russia may take some action.
"The Russian warship, 'Neustrashimy' (Fearless,) is now off the Somali coast where it will conduct anti-piracy patrols. It may also be used to intercept the Ukrainian freighter captured a month ago."
There are no reports in the African press regarding the ultimatum by the Pirates.
Could be the Russians are looking for an excuse.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Neustrashimy patrols for pirates
Russia Today reports as of October 27th, the Neustrashimy, a Russian warship, has finally arrived off the coast of Somalia.
The M/V Faina, being held be pirates, has 2 Russian crew members. Speculation is, the Russians might use force against the pirates holding this ship.
As I mentioned in my blog of Oct. 25th, Russia asked Somalia permission to use force in Somalia's territorial waters.
The M/V Faina, being held be pirates, has 2 Russian crew members. Speculation is, the Russians might use force against the pirates holding this ship.
As I mentioned in my blog of Oct. 25th, Russia asked Somalia permission to use force in Somalia's territorial waters.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Pressure on Pirates
Finally, ships are arriving off the coast of Somalia to combat the Pirates.
The Russian vessel Neustrashimy is close to the area.
Reuters reports "Russia, which sent a warship to Somalia's coast to combat pirates, asked the African nation on Thursday for carte blanche to use force in its territorial waters."
On Oct. 25, from Russia Today, "The Russian warship 'Neustrashimy' (Fearless) is set to enter the waters off Somalia on a mission to combat piracy. Seven NATO vessels are already monitoring the area which is notorious for hijackings. The Russian vessel may be used to help intercept a Ukrainian freighter (M/V Faina) captured a month ago with 20 people onboard."
Even the Columbia Journalism Review has been following the saga of the M/V Faina.
There are reports, such as this one in Deseret News, that Blackwater is planning to get into the business of protecting vessels from pirates.
"Blackwater is offering the MV MacArthur, a 183-foot vessel with a crew of 14 and a helicopter pad, as an escort for ships through the Gulf of Aden. The helicopters and MacArthur won't be armed, although workers will carry guns, Mathews said."
The Russian vessel Neustrashimy is close to the area.
Reuters reports "Russia, which sent a warship to Somalia's coast to combat pirates, asked the African nation on Thursday for carte blanche to use force in its territorial waters."
On Oct. 25, from Russia Today, "The Russian warship 'Neustrashimy' (Fearless) is set to enter the waters off Somalia on a mission to combat piracy. Seven NATO vessels are already monitoring the area which is notorious for hijackings. The Russian vessel may be used to help intercept a Ukrainian freighter (M/V Faina) captured a month ago with 20 people onboard."
Even the Columbia Journalism Review has been following the saga of the M/V Faina.
There are reports, such as this one in Deseret News, that Blackwater is planning to get into the business of protecting vessels from pirates.
"Blackwater is offering the MV MacArthur, a 183-foot vessel with a crew of 14 and a helicopter pad, as an escort for ships through the Gulf of Aden. The helicopters and MacArthur won't be armed, although workers will carry guns, Mathews said."
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Where is the Neustrashimy?
Update Oct 30 - as of Oct. 28 she was to leave Yemen for the Gulf of Aden
Apparently those who know aren't saying.
The blog American Chronicle says it is passing through the Suez, but then it states other sources says it's already in Somali waters.
Apparently those who know aren't saying.
The blog American Chronicle says it is passing through the Suez, but then it states other sources says it's already in Somali waters.
Friday, October 10, 2008
The Russians are coming!
Information Dissemination has an update on the Russian warship Neustrashimy (in English translated to either Fearless or Intrepid).
This vessel will go to the coast of Somalia to combat piracy.
There are some interesting comments regarding possible military actions. This, in light of the pirates announcing they will blow up the M/V Faina, it's crew and themselves if their demands are not met by Monday, October 13.
This vessel will go to the coast of Somalia to combat piracy.
There are some interesting comments regarding possible military actions. This, in light of the pirates announcing they will blow up the M/V Faina, it's crew and themselves if their demands are not met by Monday, October 13.
Pirates Threaten to blow up M/V Faina
This just in
"Sugule Ali tells The Associated Press that the bandits who have been holding the MV Faina for the past two weeks met Friday and decided they will blow up the ship along with themselves and the crew, if they don't get the ransom."
And out of Russia Today, the news reports
"The ship owner got in touch with a pirate who said his name was Muhammad, reports the Maritime Bulletin Sovfracht website. The man said they considered the value of Faina’s load much greater then the value of the ship itself, so they wanted the owner of the weapons to pay for their return.
The web-site also said earlier media reports that claimed the pirates had cut the ransom for the ship and its crew to $8 million were ‘absolutely groundless’.
The vessel was captured by Somalian pirates on September 25 off the Kenyan coast. The ship was transporting arms including tanks, multiple rocket-launch systems, ammunition and other weapons to either Kenya or Sudan according to various sources.
The delivery is subject to a parliamentary investigation in Ukraine along with other arms contracts. The commission suspects many of the deals lacked transparency or were illegal."
I think the problem is no one wants to admit they own this cargo. Ukraine probably shouldn't have exported it, Kenya says they are the importer, but all indications are it is actually destined to southern Sudan. I have read one report claiming the owner of the vessel is Israeli. All of these people are probably thinking it wouldn't be a bad idea if this ship did get blown up (as long as the crew was safe).
It's like the old game "hot potato".
I guess the pirates have figured out that no one wants to negotiate, so they have decided to say they will blow up the ship as a means to force someone to negotiate.
The problem is, I think this will just be a good excuse for force to be used against them.
The Russian warship Neustrashimy is on it's way, but there are no reports of it's exact position. Russia had claimed it would be put into service off the coast of Somalia early Nov., but it really should be arriving before that.
Maybe this will be one time the Americans and the Russians can act together to free the M/V Faina and it's crew. Well, let's hope for at least the crew. Having all that military equipment destroyed probably wouldn't be a bad thing.
"Sugule Ali tells The Associated Press that the bandits who have been holding the MV Faina for the past two weeks met Friday and decided they will blow up the ship along with themselves and the crew, if they don't get the ransom."
And out of Russia Today, the news reports
"The ship owner got in touch with a pirate who said his name was Muhammad, reports the Maritime Bulletin Sovfracht website. The man said they considered the value of Faina’s load much greater then the value of the ship itself, so they wanted the owner of the weapons to pay for their return.
The web-site also said earlier media reports that claimed the pirates had cut the ransom for the ship and its crew to $8 million were ‘absolutely groundless’.
The vessel was captured by Somalian pirates on September 25 off the Kenyan coast. The ship was transporting arms including tanks, multiple rocket-launch systems, ammunition and other weapons to either Kenya or Sudan according to various sources.
The delivery is subject to a parliamentary investigation in Ukraine along with other arms contracts. The commission suspects many of the deals lacked transparency or were illegal."
I think the problem is no one wants to admit they own this cargo. Ukraine probably shouldn't have exported it, Kenya says they are the importer, but all indications are it is actually destined to southern Sudan. I have read one report claiming the owner of the vessel is Israeli. All of these people are probably thinking it wouldn't be a bad idea if this ship did get blown up (as long as the crew was safe).
It's like the old game "hot potato".
I guess the pirates have figured out that no one wants to negotiate, so they have decided to say they will blow up the ship as a means to force someone to negotiate.
The problem is, I think this will just be a good excuse for force to be used against them.
The Russian warship Neustrashimy is on it's way, but there are no reports of it's exact position. Russia had claimed it would be put into service off the coast of Somalia early Nov., but it really should be arriving before that.
Maybe this will be one time the Americans and the Russians can act together to free the M/V Faina and it's crew. Well, let's hope for at least the crew. Having all that military equipment destroyed probably wouldn't be a bad thing.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Russian Warship Neustrashimy ETA Gulf of Aden is Nov. 6
The BBC reports
"According to Russia's Itar-Tass news agency, the Russian warship Neutrashimy is to commence patrols in the Gulf of Aden on 6 November."
Click here for complete article
"According to Russia's Itar-Tass news agency, the Russian warship Neutrashimy is to commence patrols in the Gulf of Aden on 6 November."
Click here for complete article
Where is the Neustrashimy?
Updated - see these blog posting for more recent info
Russian Warship ETA
The Russians are Coming (click on information dissimination)
I ran across a blog with pictures of a couple of dangerous looking ships off the coast of Somalia.
See them here at Bloggism.net
I have no idea what they are, but it's fun to speculate. Maybe the Russians are planning an attack from land? Notice the one ship is beached.
The Neustrashimy really should be close to reaching the location of the M/V Faina by now. Maybe one of these ships is the Neustrashimy.
I would like to see the Russians do something. However, they don't generally have much regard to the lives of those held captive. I hope they will this time.
Russian Warship ETA
The Russians are Coming (click on information dissimination)
I ran across a blog with pictures of a couple of dangerous looking ships off the coast of Somalia.
See them here at Bloggism.net
I have no idea what they are, but it's fun to speculate. Maybe the Russians are planning an attack from land? Notice the one ship is beached.
The Neustrashimy really should be close to reaching the location of the M/V Faina by now. Maybe one of these ships is the Neustrashimy.
I would like to see the Russians do something. However, they don't generally have much regard to the lives of those held captive. I hope they will this time.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Ukraine Admits Illegal Arms Trading
According to Russia Today, the Prime Minister of Ukraine admits there has been illegal arms sales from Ukraine.
This all came to light because of the hijacking of the M/V Faina by Somali pirates. The vessel was going to Kenya, but it was determined the cargo of tanks and other weaponry was destined for Sudan.
The Russian vessel Neustrashimy is on it's way to Somalia. It should be there any day now, but I suspect it's location is being kept quiet.
So, here's the deal. The pirates stopped a ship and are holding it ransom. Now that everyone knows the cargo should NOT be going to it's destination, they will keep it from being released.
I wonder what will happen. The ship will be returned to Ukraine? Russia will take control of it?
Oh, and the other thing. These tanks could have been sold for a lot more money to Pakistan (who apparently wanted them). I presume the decision who to sale them to was based on how much kickback the "authorities" in Ukraine would receive. I guess those folks are on their way to somewhere else by now.
Update 18:00 CDT
From The Nation, Nairobi, Kenya (click here for complete article)
"The Nation sent questions to the Ukrinmash (the official Ukrainian arms dealer) website address but none of them has been answered.
The questions included: "Are you in contact with the pirates?
"Are the pirates demanding ransom?
"Are you ready to pay?
"Which countries are helping you?
"Was the consignment destined for Kenya or Southern Sudan?"
It also emerged that Kenya might have been sucked into an arms stockpiling contest between the Sudanese government in Khartoum and the South Sudan administration based in Juba."
This all came to light because of the hijacking of the M/V Faina by Somali pirates. The vessel was going to Kenya, but it was determined the cargo of tanks and other weaponry was destined for Sudan.
The Russian vessel Neustrashimy is on it's way to Somalia. It should be there any day now, but I suspect it's location is being kept quiet.
So, here's the deal. The pirates stopped a ship and are holding it ransom. Now that everyone knows the cargo should NOT be going to it's destination, they will keep it from being released.
I wonder what will happen. The ship will be returned to Ukraine? Russia will take control of it?
Oh, and the other thing. These tanks could have been sold for a lot more money to Pakistan (who apparently wanted them). I presume the decision who to sale them to was based on how much kickback the "authorities" in Ukraine would receive. I guess those folks are on their way to somewhere else by now.
Update 18:00 CDT
From The Nation, Nairobi, Kenya (click here for complete article)
"The Nation sent questions to the Ukrinmash (the official Ukrainian arms dealer) website address but none of them has been answered.
The questions included: "Are you in contact with the pirates?
"Are the pirates demanding ransom?
"Are you ready to pay?
"Which countries are helping you?
"Was the consignment destined for Kenya or Southern Sudan?"
It also emerged that Kenya might have been sucked into an arms stockpiling contest between the Sudanese government in Khartoum and the South Sudan administration based in Juba."
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
M/V Faina Saga Continues
Update 23 Oct.
The Faina is still being held by Pirates. More from the BBC.
Oct. 1
I'm not really sure what's going on with the M/V Faina. Yesterday there were reports of shooting onboard and that 3 pirates were killed. The "spokesman" for the pirates denies that.
I had an idea that maybe they fired their guns into the air as a celebration for the ending of Ramadan, and people hearing this jumped to conclusions. It's just my guess, with nothing to base it on, so please don't quote me on this.
As far as the cargo onboard and where it's going, looks like the folks in Kenya are doing a lot of back peddling. Could be a lot of stuff has been going through their country that shouldn't be, and now they are sweating bullets (pardon the expression).
This article in the the African news is great.
Here are parts of it (if you are too lazy to click on the above).
"However, Mr Munyi denied speaking to Mr Mwangura. "I have not spoken to him and if you insist tell him to prove that I spoke to him," said Mr Munyi when contacted."
Huh?? I'm sorry, but I can't help but laugh. Tina Fey take note.
And then this....
"Mr Mwangura had also asked why the Kenyan government was silent about a vessel carrying 17,000 tonnes of salt to Mombasa that was also allegedly hijacked on the same day as the Ukranian vessel.
"The vessel was suspicious because Kenya does not import salt," Mr Mwangura said."
Well now, wonder what happened to THAT ship? Assuming of course there is such a ship.
And I still don't know when the Russian vessel the Neustrashimy will get there.
Everyone seems to be keeping a lid on it's whereabouts.
The Faina is still being held by Pirates. More from the BBC.
Oct. 1
I'm not really sure what's going on with the M/V Faina. Yesterday there were reports of shooting onboard and that 3 pirates were killed. The "spokesman" for the pirates denies that.
I had an idea that maybe they fired their guns into the air as a celebration for the ending of Ramadan, and people hearing this jumped to conclusions. It's just my guess, with nothing to base it on, so please don't quote me on this.
As far as the cargo onboard and where it's going, looks like the folks in Kenya are doing a lot of back peddling. Could be a lot of stuff has been going through their country that shouldn't be, and now they are sweating bullets (pardon the expression).
This article in the the African news is great.
Here are parts of it (if you are too lazy to click on the above).
"However, Mr Munyi denied speaking to Mr Mwangura. "I have not spoken to him and if you insist tell him to prove that I spoke to him," said Mr Munyi when contacted."
Huh?? I'm sorry, but I can't help but laugh. Tina Fey take note.
And then this....
"Mr Mwangura had also asked why the Kenyan government was silent about a vessel carrying 17,000 tonnes of salt to Mombasa that was also allegedly hijacked on the same day as the Ukranian vessel.
"The vessel was suspicious because Kenya does not import salt," Mr Mwangura said."
Well now, wonder what happened to THAT ship? Assuming of course there is such a ship.
And I still don't know when the Russian vessel the Neustrashimy will get there.
Everyone seems to be keeping a lid on it's whereabouts.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Russian Military Vessel Neustrashimy
The Russians sent a military vessel, the Neustrashimy, to Somalia sometime around last Wed., Sept. 24th.
It's about 3300 nautical miles from Russia to Somalia. I can't find anything giving the speed of the Neustrashimy, but guessed it could be 20-25 knots.
Based on this, it should get there Tues. or Wed., Sept. 30/Oct. 1.
My guess is until it gets there, everyone else will just be sitting around making sure nothing gets off the Ukrainian freighter Faina.
Some of the retired U.S. Navy guys are following this story on Information Dissemination.
I did pick up some good information from this blog. Apparently the vessel Faina is a ro/ro (roll-on-roll-off) which means the tanks can be driven off the ship. This does make it all a bit more interesting.
It's about 3300 nautical miles from Russia to Somalia. I can't find anything giving the speed of the Neustrashimy, but guessed it could be 20-25 knots.
Based on this, it should get there Tues. or Wed., Sept. 30/Oct. 1.
My guess is until it gets there, everyone else will just be sitting around making sure nothing gets off the Ukrainian freighter Faina.
Some of the retired U.S. Navy guys are following this story on Information Dissemination.
I did pick up some good information from this blog. Apparently the vessel Faina is a ro/ro (roll-on-roll-off) which means the tanks can be driven off the ship. This does make it all a bit more interesting.
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