US Navy Assists Freed Weapons Ship

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US Navy Assists Freed Weapons Ship
February 06, 2009
Associated Press

NAIROBI, Kenya - The U.S. Navy gave fuel, food and water Friday to a Ukrainian arms ship off the coast of Somalia, helping it get ready to leave the area after being held hostage by pirates for more than four months.

The MV Faina, seized Sept. 25, was freed Thursday after pirates received an airdropped ransom of $3.2 million. The pirates then left with the cash, but the ship remained anchored at sea near the Somali coastal town of Hobyo.

In addition, the U.S. Navy gave all Faina crew members medical attention, said Lt. Nathan Christensen, a spokesman for the Bahrain-based 5th Fleet.

The navy has watched over the Faina since its capture to make sure the cargo of 33 tanks and other heavy weapons did not fall into the hands of Somali insurgents believed to be linked to al-Qaida.

Faina Captain Viktor Nikolsky told The Associated Press via satellite phone on Friday that the ship would start traveling to Mombasa, Kenya, on Saturday. He hoped to reach the port in three or four days.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/news/article/February-2009/us-navy-assists-freed-weapons-ship.html?col=1186032310810