MV Almezaan
History | |
---|---|
Name | MV Almezaan |
Owner | St. Vincent and the Grenadines |
Operator | Biyat International, Dubai, Uae |
Port of registry | Panama |
Route | Dubai to Mogadishu |
Launched | 1979 |
Notes | IMO: 7906710 |
General characteristics | |
Tonnage | 2886 dwt |
Length | 89 meters |
Beam | 13 meters |
Crew | 17 |
The MV Almezaan is a general cargo vessel active off the Horn of Africa. [1] The name, translated from Arabic means "the balance" or "the scales"
Pirate Attacks
The vessel has been attacked three times by Somali pirates.
The first attack and capture was 1 May 2009, when the vessel, said to be taking wheat and used vehicles to Mogadishu, was captured and taken to Harardhere. It was released on 6 May 2009, reportedly without a ransom being paid and after it was confirmed that it had been hired by a local trader.[2]
The second attack was 8 November, 2009. The ship was held off Garacad and released on 19 November 2009, after a ransom was paid. The ship was believed to be carrying small arms, ammunition, rockets, and rocket-propelled grenades,[3][4], as well as armoured vehicles, but this was later denied by the owners.
The ship was again attacked on 23 March 2010, while on its way to Mogadishu. The attack was repelled by private security guard, and one pirate was killed[5] Six suspected pirates were captured by Navfor the same day, but released after the master and crew of the Almezaan refused to testify.[6] [7]
References
- ^ Hansen, Ken (2010). "Armed Security Guards Kill Pirate in Shootout". Canadian Naval Review (Winter).
- ^ "Pirates Mistakenly Rush Military Ship". AOL Canada. 5 May 2009. Retrieved 24 March 2010.
- ^ "FACTBOX-Ships held by Somali pirates". Reuters. 3 December 2009. Retrieved 24 March 2010.
- ^ "Arming Somalia; the dangers for mariners". Idarat Maritime. 13 November 2009. Retrieved 2 April 2010.
- ^ "'Pirate' dies as ship's guards repel attack off Somalia". BBC News Online. 24 March 2010. Retrieved 24 March 2010.
- ^ "EU force frees Somali 'pirates'". BBC News. 25 March 2010.
- ^ Cowell, Alan (25 March 2010). "Pirate Suspects Are Released by Naval Force". New York Times.