Arms Ship Freed by Somali Pirates

The MV Faina, the Ukrainian ship which was hijacked in Somalian waters last year, has been released.

The hijack caused international disputes as the Kenyan government claimed ownership of the tanks, small arms and rocket launchers on board but it is widely believed the cargo was going to be illegaly transfered to South Sudan.

The pirates had originally demanded $20m for the safe release of the ship, cargo and crew. According to sources in Mombasa, just over $3m was paid to the hijackers. Mikhail Voitenko, spokesperson for ship owner Vadim Alperin, has confirmed that the ransom was agreed and has been delivered to the pirates.

The United States Navy has issued a statement saying that 20 crew members are all safe and unharmed.  They are escorting the ship to Mombasa. Even as the ship arrives this will not be the end of the story – there are still huge questions as to the end destination of the tanks on board. Kenya firmly denies they are to be transferred to South Sudan, but documents found onboard MV Faina would suggest otherwise.