Frigate escorts 3 cargo ships
2008-12-01 21:06
Moscow - Russia's Navy spokesperson says a Russian frigate is escorting three commercial ships off the coast of Somalia to protect them from pirates.
Captain Igor Dygalo said on Monday the Neustrashimy guided missile frigate is escorting the Russian Sokol-3 vessel, the Danish-operated Caribbean Express and the Slot Markland ship under a Cayman Islands flag.
Russia says the Neustrashimy has helped thwart pirate attacks in the past and has escorted ships from various countries.
A multinational force including US, British and German warships is patrolling the waters off Somalia but the Russian frigate has operated mostly on its own.
Pirates have hijacked about 40 ships this year, including a Ukrainian freighter loaded with 33 battle tanks.
- AP