Russian Baltic Fleet tanker Yelnya has left Baltiisk in order to supply fuel, drinking water and food to the Baltic Fleet guard ship Neustrashimy heading to the Somali coast, Interfax reports according to Gudok.
"The Yelnya will meet with the Neustrashimy in the area of the Aden Bay, where the guard ship will carry out operations on counteracting sea pirates. The tanker's crew will supply fuel and drinking water and will hand over food," the Baltic Fleet headquarters told Interfax on Monday.
The Yelnya itself will need protection against a pirate attack before the meeting with the guard ship in the area of Somali. A detachment of marines armed with small arms is on board. They are tasked to prevent pirate vessels from coming within range of automatic weapons
fire.
The return of the tanker from the area of Somali is planned jointly with the Neustrashimy.
According to earlier reports, the Neustrashimy is heading for the area of Somali to patrol this region and counteract pirates.