Somali pirates quit ‘mystery’ ship

However, the likely release of the Ukrainian-owned M/V Faina will increase speculation about where its cargo of Russian-made T-72 tanks, armaments and ammunition is bound.

The vessel was captured on September 25 by pirates who were reported to have demanded up to $35m for the release of the vessel and its crew. The captain, Vladimir Kolobkov, died of a heart attack shortly afterwards.

Negotiations over the vessel’s release are known to have grown very complex, with Ukraine’s government as well as the vessel’s owner becoming involved.