Ukraine`s crew hijacked off Somalia pleas for help

ATHENS, August 31 (Itar-Tass) - The Ukrainian crew of a Greek-owned
ship hijacked by Somali pirates south-west of the Seychelles four months
ago asked for help, Greek mass media reported on Sunday.
As it became known the crewmembers spoke by a satellite phone with
representatives of Nairobi-headquartered Ecoterra International that is
engaged in the fight against piracy off Somalia and in the humanitarian
aid.
The crewmembers of the MV Ariana requested to speed up the talks to
free the vessel and demanded that a woman on board, who is seriously ill,
should be hospitalized.
"We are exhausted and feel despair. Please, help us," said captain
Voronov, who heads the crew of 24 Ukrainian citizens, including two women.
Ukrainian doctor in Nairobi said after the telephone talk that the
woman was deadly ill and should urgently be hospitalized. However, pirates
refuse to hospitalize the woman and conduct talks on her future separately
from other crewmembers.
The MV Ariana carrying 10,000 tonnes of soya was attacked in the
Indian Ocean 250 nautical miles south-west of the Seychelles on May 2. It
was sailing from Brazil to the Middle East. The vessel is owned by Greece'
s All Ocean Shipping and managed by Seven Seas Maritime in London.
On May 8, pirates demanded a ransom and a representative of All Ocean
Shipping said the direct talks with criminals began. Since then the talks
hit standstill.
"Please, put pressure to force owners of the vessel to really begin
the talks," Voronov said on Sunday. The crew has water left for several
more days. He added that pirates treated sailors bearably.
At present, the MV Ariana is anchoring 50 nautical miles of the Somali
coast and 25 miles north of the port of Hobyo.
According to some information, pirates demand a $5 million dollar
ransom.