Russian tanker freed from Somali pirates
By IANSThursday, May 6, 2010
Moscow, May 6 (IANS/RIA Novosti) A Russian anti-ship cruiser has freed a Russian tanker hijacked by Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden, an official from the maritime coalition forces said Thursday.
Officials decided to seize the tanker, Moscow University, as they knew the sailors on board had taken cover in a place inaccessible to the pirates.
None of the Russians was injured in the operation.
The tanker with 23 Russian crewmembers and 86,000 tonnes of oil was hijacked Wednesday when it was on its way to China. The captain was able to alert the Russian warship by phone and seek help.
Somali pirates carried out a record number of attacks and hijackings in 2009.
–IANS/RIA Novosti
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