Russian forces free tanker seized by pirates
Russian marines have stormed a Russian oil tanker hijacked by pirates in the Gulf of Aden, killing one Somali and capturing the other 10 aboard. Authorities say those apprehended will be transferred to Moscow to face charges.
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The three-hour rescue operation was carried out by marines from the warship Marshal Shaposhnikov, who exchanged fire with the pirates after using small boats to approach the vessel, the Moscow University, and scale its sides.
The tanker's operator Novoship said all 23 crew were unharmed.
The Investigative Committee of Russia's Prosecutor General Office said the investigation will be conducted in line with Russian and international law and the pirates will face "criminal responsibility" for the hijacking.
Somali pirates had seized control of the Moscow University tanker early on Wednesday as it sailed out of the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of Yemen.
It had been on its way to China from the Red Sea with 86,000 tonnes of crude oil, believed to be worth around 50 million dollars.
The end to the 20-hour hijacking is a major triumph for the Russian navy and comes as the Russian military gears up for a parade on Sunday to mark the 65th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany.
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