Hijacked tanker needs help

EGYPT - The captain of an arms-laden Ukrainian cargo ship hijacked by Somali pirates appealed Monday for its Israeli owner to engage in direct talks with its captors and end its crew's 15-week ordeal.

Speaking to AFP by satellite telephone from the MV Faina, Vladimir Nikolsky complained that no direct contact had been made by the owner with the leader of the pirates since the vessel was seized on September 25.

"I think Vadim Alperin, the real ship owner, doesn't know the real situation.... The owner's representative I think has been hiding information from him," said Nikolsky in his first interview since the hijacking.

The MV Faina - a 152.5 metre (500 foot) blue-hulled Ukrainian vessel, sailing under a Belize flag of convenience - was carrying 33 Soviet-type T-72 battle tanks, other weapons and ammunition.

Its captain Vladimir Kolobkov died in unclear circumstances two days after the ship's capture, leaving second mate Nikolsky in charge.

Nairobi,Tuesday, AFP