Seems that in the wake of the MV SIRIUS STAR ransom, dropping ransom money by parachute has caught on as the MV FAINA ransom also delivered by parachute. Although this time it appears that they split the ransom into two packages. Looks like the pirates might have had to do a little work and retrieve the packages.
Motor Vessel Faina Released – Pirates Leave the Ship090204-N-3931M-427 OFF THE COAST OF SOMALIA (Feb. 4, 2009) - Ransom money is dropped in the vicinity of the MV Faina off the coast of Somalia near Hobyo while under observation by a U.S. Navy ship. Pirates did not actually leave the ship until Feb. 5, more than 24 hours after this photo was taken. The Belize-flagged cargo ship is operated by "Kaalbye Shipping Ukraine" and is carrying a cargo of Ukranian T-72 tanks and related equipment. The ship was attacked Sept. 25, 2008 by pirates and forced to proceed to anchorage off the Somali Coast. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Michael R. McCormick/Released) - US Navy
The US Navy did go to assist the ship's crew once the pirates left the ship behind and probably got a good look at the cargo once onboard.
090206-N-3931M-015 SOMALIA (Feb. 6, 2009) – Sailors from the Norfolk-based destroyer, USS Mason (DDG 87), climb aboard Motor Vessel Faina to conduct a health and comfort inspection of the crew as well as provide them with food, water and medical support. Somali pirates released the Motor Vessel Faina Feb. 5, after holding it for more than four months. The U.S. Navy has remained within visual range of the ship and maintained a 24-hour, 7-days a week presence since it was captured. The Belize-flagged cargo ship is owned and operated by Kaalbye Shipping Ukraine and is carrying a cargo of Ukrainian T-72 tanks and related equipment. The ship was attacked on Sept. 25 and forced to proceed to anchorage off the Somali Coast. U.S. 5th Fleet conducts maritime security operations to promote stability and regional economic prosperity. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael R. McCormick/Released) - US Navy
090206-N-3931M-116 SOMALIA (Feb. 6, 2009) – The U.S. Navy fleet ocean tug USNS Catawba (T-ATF 168) provides fuel and fresh water to Motor Vessel Faina following its release by Somali pirates Feb. 5, after holding it for more than four months. The U.S. Navy has remained within visual range of the ship and maintained a 24-hour, 7-days a week presence since it was captured. The Belize-flagged cargo ship is owned and operated by "Kaalbye Shipping Ukraine" and is carrying a cargo of Ukrainian T-72 tanks and related equipment. The ship was attacked on Sept. 25 and forced to proceed to anchorage off the Somali Coast. U.S. 5th Fleet conducts maritime security operations to promote stability and regional economic prosperity. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael R. McCormick/Released) - US Navy
090206-N-3931M-087 SOMALIA (Feb. 6, 2009) – The U.S. Navy fleet ocean tug USNS Catawba (T-ATF 168) provides fuel and fresh water to Motor Vessel Faina following its release by Somali pirates Feb. 5, after holding it for more than four months. The U.S. Navy has remained within visual range of the ship and maintained a 24-hour, 7-days a week presence since it was captured. The Belize-flagged cargo ship is owned and operated by Kaalbye Shipping Ukraine and is carrying a cargo of Ukrainian T-72 tanks and related equipment. The ship was attacked on Sept. 25 and forced to proceed to anchorage off the Somali Coast. U.S. 5th Fleet conducts maritime security operations to promote stability and regional economic prosperity. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael R. McCormick/Released) - US Navy
Nice to see that the ship and crew are no longer being held by pirates. Good luck to the US Navy in preventing them from getting a replacement ship to take its place!
Source: US Navy Fifth Fleet
No comments:
Post a Comment