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Pirates aiming to seize a Panama-flagged cargo vessel sailing in the Gulf of Guinea had all plans ruined as a helicopter with Russian marines came to the ship’s rescue, as a Northern Fleet destroyer was on patrol nearby.
Image Credits: Минобороны России – Facebook
Around 1 pm on Monday, the Togo-bound MSC Lucia let out a distress call when it was suddenly boarded by some armed men about 86 nm southwest of Agbami Terminal off the Nigerian coast.
The signal was quickly picked up by Vice-Admiral Kulakov, the missile destroyer, which was in the area conducting maritime security operations. The Lucia’s crew took shelter in the engine room when the destroyer dispatched a Ka-27PS helicopter, including a marine complement.
Image Credits: Минобороны России – Facebook
The Defense Ministry of Russia has informed that on noticing the helicopter, the pirates immediately got onto a fast boat. They were headed toward the coast. The Kulakov’s marines landed on the Lucia and carried out a sweep of the vessel. It was confirmed that the vessel was secure.
On 11 October, the Udaloy-class destroyer had arrived in the Gulf of Guinea to conduct an anti-piracy patrol for about three weeks. It had already been able to prevent the seizure of yet another Panama-flagged ship.
Image Credits: Минобороны России – Facebook
Nearly a quarter of the world’s cargo vessels are registered in Panama. The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) owns The Lucia.
Accompanied by Academic Pashin, a tanker, and a rescue tug named Altai, the Kulakov has been in deployment from June 2021, when it departed its home base at Severomorsk.
Image Credits: Минобороны России – Facebook
The ship has been a part of the Kronstadt naval parade. Besides, it has also conducted anti-submarine warfare training in the Atlantic and crossed the Mediterranean sea to reach Syria and back before reaching the Gulf of Guinea. The task force has traveled over 20,000 nautical miles and also called on ports in at least five countries.
Reference: Минобороны России – Facebook
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Video: Panama-Flagged Cargo Ship ‘MSC Lucia’ Saved From Pirates By Russian Navy appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide
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