MOSCOW, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- A spokesman for the Russian navy said Monday a Pacific Fleet destroyer is escorting three commercial vessels off the coast of Somalia.
Naval Capt. 1st Rank Igor Dygalo said the Russian destroyer was protecting the ships in the Gulf of Arden as part of its attempt to fight piracy in the troubled maritime region, RIA Novosti reported.
"The Admiral Vinogradov destroyer is currently escorting a convoy comprising Russian ship Nadezhda, bulk freighter Trust Fortuna of Singapore and cargo vessel Radonezh sailing under a Liberian flag," Dygalo said.
More than 110 ships were attacked off the coast of Somalia in 2008 with 42 of those vessels being seized by pirates.
The sudden increase in regional piracy led to the involvement of at least 10 countries' naval forces in anti-piracy efforts.
RIA Novosti said the Vinogradov replaced the Neustrashimy missile frigate from Russia's Baltic Fleet in the regional escort efforts.
