Missing cargo ship was silent for 11 days.
Posted 13-08-2009 at 19:36 by Кирилл Сызранский
Dry cargo Arctic Sea was lost off the coast of Portugal, on its crew of ArhangelskaChto cut down all the electronics and communications in the modern ship? Is it a visit "Men in Black»?
These and other issues, we added our special correspondent in Sweden Natalya Gracheva
Natalya Gracheva (our sob. Corr.) Stockholm - 10.08.2009
The government of Sweden and Russia on the road searching for the missing vessel in Algeria. The police of the kingdom with a mission to investigate the attack in Swedish waters in the "Arctic Sea" (it was accompanied by the seizure and torture of Russia's crew), was associated with sailors, exchanging with them a few e-mails. Management Solchart, which manages the ship, and security officers of the company had extensive interviews with the team.
According to the "KP" Viktor Matveev, Director Solchart, were later obtained even pictures of the crew members injured. July 29 radars again "lost" ship in the port of destination, it does not appear (arrival expected August 4). It repeated the same situation as between the islands of Gotland and Oland. «Arctic Sea» unsuccessfully cause of all communications.
- Could all types of communications at the same time "cut down", and easy to turn them off? - Ask Victor Matveev.
- The modern vessel - is a complex piece of engineering, stuffed with electronics, radio navigation equipment. Only superspecialists can disable them, the more - simultaneously.
- Does not come to you for the last day any additional information?
- About the missing seamen still no news. Search is performed.
European experts emphasize that if the ship was wrecked and sank, with the board would automatically trigger an alarm.
In Sweden, continuing investigation, interviewed witnesses: law enforcement officials phoned several people who were at the time of capture «Arctic Sea» relatively close to the vessel. Some of them noticed in the area where the attack occurred, a powerful inflatable motorboat black. Police and Coast Guard rely on the military, asking the defense establishment to provide them with materials of the Central management of marine protection on all vessel traffic at the island of Gotland. If I can find next to the timber boat, looking at computer files, it can be traced in its path. Maybe she went from «Arctic Sea» to any other ship.
In a conversation with the correspondent "KP" Viktor Matveev said that no one saw, what "people in black" came to the freighter - the attack on the watch team happened suddenly, "Brigade" appeared almost noiselessly. With the capture, of course, very well, and primed for war, and in the technical disciplines. A motorboat was able to observe (by the way, she was already far) only after the gunmen left the board "Arctic Sea". Recall that when the July tragedy, said "KP" (31.07.2009), the information seemed so incredible that many doubted it. Swedish media called the history of "mystery", and some of Russia's newspaper - "dubious rumors."
We can assure that the information on the events in Swedish waters, and did what is called a "first hand". We know some additional facts that have not be disclosed. The newspaper is involved in the investigation, the progress of which will inform readers.
It should be recalled that after all this detective story there are people - Russia's civilian mariners and their families, for whom every careless word, every thoughtless assumption may be a strike. That is why we are so careful use of our knowledge and we assure: there is every reason to believe that the crew alive. Let's hope and wait.
Our version
Let us analyze the puzzle with two sides - the "attack" and "protection".
Forwards: a dozen heavily armed professionals the highest level, most of which are very well govoilo in English, but several - with a heavy, non-Nordic non-Russian accent. Attract their attention to the timber could only something very valuable, or - if it were the security services - have very dangerous consequences.
As far as the "KP", sawn timber on board the «Arctic Sea» (they belong to the wood-processing company Stora Enso and is estimated at 300 000 euros) were carefully and tightly packed quietly "put a" something on the way from Finland, it was extremely difficult.
"Men in Black" had not robbed the ship is not taken away with them money and valuables, which certainly distinguishes them from the category of ordinary bandits. The operation lasted more than half a day, then aboard the "guests" were not afraid that their notice to other vessels at a very busy shipping area that "flog" the Coast Guard or caught the Swedish police. They could not know that the timber already looking - he's gone, as the saying goes, "from all screens" - but did not worry. They are not worried and that they and their means of transport "light up" on the powerful instruments of the Swedish military.
Nothing is taking a cargo ship, the criminals, in theory, might themselves have put a thing - for example, program an explosive device - but if such work, damaging, say, lining, causing flooding, then the system of special courts, which had already been working, they sent to signals. And, finally, could the "black" for some reason, to remain in log carrier until July 29, intimidating team and forcing its members to pass information to the bank "dictation"? It is unlikely (though all the rest was hard to believe).
Injured: 15 Russian sailors under the flag of a foreign power and with the leadership of another foreign power. Second assistant was able to send SMS your Breakdown in Russia, Arkhangelsk - hence, had (or unexpectedly received) this possibility. That is, the bandits something not taken into account, or you can wanted the information came "to the authorities. At one of the phone calls decided to answer the captain, he confirmed the seizure. It heard the "newcomers" quickly interrupted the conversation, but not rushed after the "leak" to escape from the timber.
Freed, sailors immediately reported everything to his leadership. Perhaps they had reason not to trust the Swedish police. "Pirates" acted so intelligently and quickly that at first the crew could decide: it - misinformed, acting "on the wrong tip-off" special services. We should not forget that the team «Arctic Sea» - not military, but purely a civilian men, absolutely not ready to repel any such attacks, nor to the rapid analysis of the "combat conditions". Indications them look authentic - that is why Sweden and the beginning of the investigation.
Management Company has made no secret of what happened, raising the alarm the authorities of three countries - Malta, under whose banner goes timber, Sweden and Russia - and demanded decisive action to investigate the fact of the capture and mutilation of his sailors. Moreover, the director Matveev at the first of his treatment clearly answered all questions "KP", thus calling into prominence on Russia's misfortune to the public. As you know, before that bans police.
Conclusion: One of two things: or the «Arctic Sea» was an incredible value for the goods on which the "aggrieved party" probably did not even know, or some powerful forces are trying to put pressure on the owners of the ship - a company in management of the timber, to intimidate, to force to something. It is also possible that the case involved a legally registered owner of a cargo timber - Stora Enso.
Telephone communication with the timber was at least until 31 July
Finnish media are actively discussing the "case Arctic sea». As can be seen from some of the publications, not all types of communications on board functioned, when timber decided to continue the path after the attack on him in Swedish waters. How could a ship to stay on the route, if access to the sea with such defects is strictly prohibited? - Ask the Finns. Author of the material published in the Helsingin Sanomat ", hints at inactivity of the Swedish police, noting that her current investigation can be compared with the investigators in the case of Olof Palme. The work, moreover, is conducted in strictest secrecy, which gives rise to the emergence of all sorts of rumors.
Monday, August 10, "KP" contacted the press service of the Office of Criminal Police of Sweden - and unexpectedly received an important clarification. Here is a brief interview, which gave a press secretary Ilva Vuksbi.
- Is there any news?
- None. But the investigation continues.
- It was said that there were witnesses who may have seen the attackers.
- There have been several requests to us by the fact that in the area spotted the black boat. We are working with these readings.
- How many people in Sweden busy investigating this case?
- I can only say that involves several services.
- You were reportedly able to communicate with the crew «Arctic Sea» e-mail. When you are in contact with the team the last time?
- Yes, the emails are. But the last time we talked on the phone - with one of the team members, on July 31. More unfortunately, I have nothing to add.
Hence, not all types of communication have been put out on July 29th (this date is a day of disappearance «Arctic Sea»)? What was the conversation, and in what position the team? Alas, the answer to the latter question have not yet been possible.
http://pskov.kp.ru/daily/24339.5/530778/
In the search for the missing cargo ship "Arctic Sea" with Russia's crew on board decided to send two nuclear submarines, which are in the Atlantic.
This, according to ITAR-TASS, August 12, said the Ministry of Defense. The interviewee said that the submarine had launched an operation to search for "Arctic Sea".
According to Navy Commander Admiral Vladimir Vysotsky, the cargo ship joined the search for all Navy ships located in the Atlantic Ocean. The Admiral noted that the search for "Artik Sea" went to five ships. Earlier on August 12 reported that in the operation, in particular, participates patrol Ladny Black Sea Fleet.
"But most importantly, in search of the vessel at the center of information and intelligence systems of our armed forces, in particular, the space system, the identification of marine vessels and other", - quotes agency Vysotsky.
Commander of the Navy of Russia recalled that, according to the media, "Arctic Sea" can be located off the coast of Africa, one of the ports of Western Sahara controlled by Morocco. Nevertheless, the admiral stressed that the Navy can not rely on these data. "We have no specific data on the whereabouts of the vessel." Arctic Sea "may be in a completely different place. Therefore, our search area is not limited to the African coast," - said Vysotsky.
ITAR-TASS contacted the representative of the Moroccan security services of navigation, which stated that in the ports of Dakhla and Laayoune in Western Sahara "Arctic Sea" coming under the flag of Malta, was not observed.
Day on August 12 the president of Russia Dmitry Medvedev instructed the Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov to take all necessary measures to locate the missing cargo ship. In the presidential press service said that while searching for "there is a permanent monitoring and analysis of the situation in areas of the ship is intended."
"Arctic Sea", the crew of which consists of 15 Russians who disappeared on Aug. 1 at the northern coast of Portugal on the way the Algerian port. The last few days searching the vessel involved Interpol, the staff of which suggest that the cargo ship seized by pirates.
http://lenta.ru/news/2009/08/12/submarine/
What is there to transport it? A?
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Posted 16-08-2009 at 09:25 by Кирилл Сызранский 
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People who seized the ship "Arctic Sea", demanded for his ransom and threatened to blow up su
People who seized the ship "Arctic Sea", demanded for his ransom and threatened to blow it in case of failure of this condition. This claim in the Defense Ministry.
Meanwhile, details continue to come and express opinions related to this story. From Latvia convey that there verify information on the participation of the citizens of this country in the seizure of the ship.
Russia cargo ship "Arctic Sea" was detected last week, a story of his search dragged intentionally. So says Chief Editor of the Maritime Bulletin - Sofraht Mikhail Voitenko. Voitenko also convinced that the story of "Arctic Sea" - an exception, and navigation in Europe is not in danger.
On board the cargo ship "Arctic Sea" could be weapons - this does not exclude the Rapporteur of the EU to combat piracy, the former commander of the Estonian defense forces, Admiral Tarmo Kyuts. According to him, this is indicated for the release of the vessel sending military planes and ships of Russia. "This strange behavior of Moscow in this story can explain only that were on board the cruise missiles" - suggests the EU Rapporteur in an article in the Estonian newspaper Postimees. In his view, the official weight "Arctic Sea", ie, the wood may be the best cover for the transportation of smuggled weapons. "Under the piles can safely hide a whole avenue of cruise missiles, because they are discovered, we must bring the ship into port, and completely empty the hold," - explained the expert.
Meanwhile, relatives of the crew "Arctic Sea" say they have not been able to contact the sailors and asked to organize at least one-way channel of communication with them - this agency RIA Novosti said the representative of the Northern regional trade union organizations of seafarers. "Maybe someone from the crew found one of Russian TV channels, to ensure that they are alive and well, that they were told that they were all right, - said the representative of the union.
The wife of one of the sailors affirmed the RIA news that relatives of crew members after the discovery of the vessel could not communicate with loved ones. "We all know from TV" - she said.
"Echo of Moscow", 19.08.2009.Posted 20-08-2009 at 01:40 by Кирилл Сызранский
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Arctic Sea.
Russia's ship captured agents 'Mossad' to disrupt the flow of arms to Iran? ( "The Jerusalem Post", Israel) Editorial, August 23, 2009
They stood there, the Israeli secret services behind the mysterious seizure of Russia's cargo ship, which may secretly carrying cruise missiles, destined for Iran?
Mysterious story of the seizure of Russia's transport ship in July, took a new turn. It is alleged that the pirates acted in concert with the 'Mossad', who led the operation to disrupt the supply of modern weapons systems, on board and intended for the Islamic republic.
While officials of Israel and Russia have denied the reports, reports, published in the Russian media, more like a spy thriller than a commercial dispute.
'Of course, this story has something suspicious, - told The Media Line, former Defense Minister Ephraim Sneh. - But more on this subject, I can not say anything. "
At the weekend, Russia's Novaya Gazeta reported that the ship was carrying Arctic Sea in the hold of cruise missiles X-55 and anti-aircraft missiles C300 with the cargo timber and sawdust.
Eight of the invaders stepped on board the vessel in the territorial waters of Sweden on July 24, calling themselves environmentalists. Three weeks later, Russia's warships spotted the vessel and 17 August, took him under his control in West African archipelago of Cape Verde, a few thousand miles from the coast of Algeria, where he was originally heading.
As reported news agency Interfax on Friday evening to persons who seized the vessel, was charged with kidnapping and piracy. Russia's authorities refused to communicate any further information about the motives of the suspects.
But Dmitry Rogozin, Russia's representative to NATO, called the allegation that the vessel Arctic Sea secretly carrying weapons, 'fantastic' and 'ridiculous'.
At the 'Pravda' reported that the ship was carrying cruise missiles to Iran, well-trodden route through Algeria, but it prevented the force 'is relevant to Ukraine'. Novaya Gazeta reports that the invaders acted on behalf of 'Mossad'. She also said that the visit of President Shimon Peres in Moscow the day after the Russian took the vessel under control, was motivated by an urgent request to his Russia counterpart Dmitry Medvedev to refrain from arming Iran.
Israeli officials have rejected these reports as 'classic conspiracy theory', but defense experts point out that Israel had captured foreign ships, which carried his armor opponents.
'It looks like a classic conspiracy theory. I do not see her any evidence, so we do not make comments', - said Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor.
Such statements are rejected and the press secretary Peres, who said the visit was planned long ago.
Brigadier General Shlomo Brom reserves, a senior fellow of the Institute of National Security Studies, did not rule out the possibility of holding a clandestine operation by Israel against Iran's efforts to acquire nuclear weapons, but doubted that Israel would take action against Russian ships.
'It seems that this whole story is full of riddles and mysterious all that surrounds Russia. And if something mysterious, then it immediately finds an Israeli trace ', - he told The Media Line.
Brom, a retired intelligence officer, added that he did not believe that such an operation can improve the image of 'Mossad' because it looks like a failed capture.
Exploration plays a big role in the life of Israel. Naval intelligence with other departments monitors shipping worldwide to detect suspicious actions courts. That's how naval intelligence was able in 2002 to find a ship belonging to the PLO Karine A arms shipment on board. The officers noted that it had deviated from the route of transport vessels, and compared this information with other intelligence data, building a picture of the impending delivery of weapons. Weapons were intended for Iran.
Israeli security agents on an ongoing basis inspect ships at sea, bound for Israeli ports, in search of terrorists, contraband and stowaways.
In March it was reported that Israeli forces attacked a convoy of arms in Sudan, about 1400 km from the borders of the Jewish state. According to CBS, the weapons were intended for Hamas in the Gaza Strip. As a result, the attack killed about 40 people.Posted 27-08-2009 at 08:26 by Кирилл Сызранский
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Capture Arctic Sea: the German version of the media in Moscow do not believe
Großansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift : Dry cargo ship Arctic SeaNemetskie media regularly inform the public about the intricacies of Germany's cargo ship Arctic Sea. Here are some of the headlines: "In the muddy waters", "Now, Moscow seized Arctic Sea", "intentional disinformation."
German media closely followed the events surrounding the seizure of cargo ship Arctic Sea, quoted experts, expert comments, talked about rumors and versions.
NATO knew everything
In Moscow the official version of the mysterious history of the German journalists do not believe. The influential newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung, for example, argues that the cargo ship never disappeared, that at least in NATO always know exactly the coordinates of the ship.
Bildunterschrift: Großansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift: NATO have been known to find the coordinates of Arctic SeaPri this paper refers to anonymous sources in the North Atlantic Alliance, who said that the Arctic Sea had been under constant surveillance by the naval forces of NATO, but Moscow from the beginning insisted on that will decide this issue.
"We deliberately did not intervene to avoid a serious scandal" - Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper quoted his anonymous interlocutor in the Brussels headquarters of the alliance.
Open questions
The Moscow correspondent of the Second German TV channel ZDF Gelinek Anna (Anna Gelinek) for several days, informed the German audience about developments in Russia's capital, related to the alleged seizure of Arctic Sea. But she herself had been left unanswered some questions:
Bildunterschrift: Großansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift: Kauyu role was played by a team Arctic Sea? "What was happening all the time with the Arctic Sea? May be on board was an additional burden? What role was played by the team?" Maybe here involved organized criminal groups? " - She asked.
ZDF correspondent quoted an American expert on nuclear weapons John Large, who expressed concern about the disappearance of the vessel carrying capacity of four thousand tons.
"And if the board had nukes or gas bomb, - he asked. - What would happen if such a seemingly harmless cargo ship enters the port of New York and blow up the bomb?"
Arctic Sea - the plot for James Bond
The newspaper Berliner Zeitung compared the developments around the Arctic Sea to the plot of the movie about James Bond: "Swimming Arctic Sea, - she wrote - began as a farce, thriller was, and is now stuck in a" black hole "of official statements, the opaque presentation of information and the medial drama .
Newspaper gives the view of the German expert on shipping Karl-Heinz Biesold (Karl-Heinz Biesold), who early on questioned the version with the seizure of pirated and demanding ransom.
"In this case, - he said in an interview with Berliner Zeitung, - not sent to the campaign half the navy of Russia. We would be pleased - he added - if the court seized by pirates in Somali coast, would receive at least half of such attention. "
Secret cargo?
His view is shared by the German specialist on maritime law Jaenisch Uwe (Uwe Jenisch). "It smacks of inner-criminal disassembly, - he said. - Some believe that the cause was the illegal arms trade. But this is clearly not an ordinary case of piracy."
Since then, the illegal cargo on board? Nuclear weapons? Cruise missiles?
The newspaper Tageszeitung quoted Estonian Vice-Admiral Tarmo Coates, educated in Soviet times in Kaliningrad, which considers that "such a keen interest of Russia to this story can be explained only by the presence of missiles on board the Arctic Sea".
The same newspaper quoted Thorella Deng, Representative of the Swedish Coast Guard, which drew attention to the strange zigzag course of Arctic Sea in the vicinity of Gotland. A logical explanation for Dan Thorell believes this: "Arctic Sea tried to turn to a passing vessels one side to hide from the eyes of potential witnesses at the opposite has happened - perhaps, the presence of a small cargo ship moored to the vessel."
In the black hole of misinformation
Astonished to Sweden, writes further Tageszeitung, received from Moscow photos allegedly beaten by pirates sailors. It may have made these images and transferred to Moscow, if all this time Arctic Sea in the power of the criminals asked in Stockholm?
Respectable Frankfurter Allgemeine also questioned Russia's official version, points to many conflicting messages and purposeful misinformation. "Now, - it says - because the Arctic Sea is under the control of Russia's Navy and Defense Ministry, the public is unlikely to know whether, under the soil rumors about the secret cargo.
Author: Nikita Zholkver, Berlin
Editor: Vyacheslav JurinPosted 29-08-2009 at 07:32 by Кирилл Сызранский
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In addition to the cruise missiles X-55 for Iran on board the ship Arctic Sea were ATGM Metis-M and Kornet-E, intended for the Lebanese terrorist group Hizbullah.
Vladimir Filin: I am now still once again conclude theme Arctic Sea. In addition to the above Yulia Latynina podvozhu some intermediate results. So:
- What was the contraband goods? - It was about a hundred boxes total, weighing about 35 tons. Of these, six boxes of the total weight of 5.5 tons containing 4 cruise missiles X-55 (without fuel and warheads) and related equipment, allowing them to consolidate the three Iranian Su-24, refurbished in Russia in 2001-2004 as a launch platform X 55. All four cruise missiles are clearly identified as produced in early 1980 in Kharkov, their engines are produced in Zaporozhye. Under President Kuchma, these cruise missiles were transferred to Russia as debt repayment for the supplied gas. The remaining 90 boxes weighing about 30 tons of contained ATGM Metis-M "," Kornet-E, the shots for them, as well as ammunition, light weapons and spare parts.
- Who was consignee? - In Algiers, where there was an illegal logistics hub of smugglers, the goods were to be representatives of General Wahid. They had to transport it to the Syrian port of Latakia, where the X-55 would be headed to Iran, and the rest of the cargo - in Lebanon to the terrorist organization Hizbullah.
- What is the cargo was removed from the vessel on August 2 in the Bay of Biscay, but some remained on the vessel at the time of his release »?
- 6 cases associated with X-55 were removed, the rest of the cargo remained on board, but was discovered and documented on video, room PTUR recorded.
- What relation to the vessel Arctic Sea had S-300 PMU2?
- They were not aboard. Between Russia, represented by Rosoboronexport and Iran are in a formal legal contract, partially paid for by the Iranian side, the supply of air defense missile systems to Iran. One of the conditions for settling the situation around the Arctic Sea has become Medvedev's promises to President Peres of Israel refuse to perform this contract.
- How smugglers operated transit base in Algeria and that with her now? - It has functioned for over a year with the participation of local corrupt officials. In March, after her from Russia were transferred Igla "and shots to the Venezuelan side of them for later delivery to Colombia, the FARC a terrorist organization. August 2 Algerian security forces made several arrests, of which the media were reported. This underground logistics hub concluded its existence.
- What is the relationship between the vessel Arctic Sea and the vessel Faina, seized by Somali pirates on a tip GRU?
- Direct.
http://far-west.livejournal.com/302080.html?mode=replyPosted 30-08-2009 at 16:27 by Кирилл Сызранский
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Michael Vojtenko resigned from his post Glavred "Maritime Bulletin".
Großansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift: Michael VoytenkoMihail Voitenko, who left Russia in connection with the history around the cargo ship Arctic Sea, resigned from his post as chief editor of the online edition of the Sea Bulletin - Sovfracht. He confirmed that he was in Turkey.
Mikhail Voitenko previously left Russia in connection with the history around the cargo ship Arctic Sea, 3 September resigned from his post as chief editor of the online edition of the Sea Bulletin - Sovfracht.
As reported in Thursday, September 3, website of the publication, during a telephone conversation with the General Director of JSC "Sovfracht Dmitry Purim Vojtenko, announced his resignation from his post as editor in chief, after which his resignation was accepted." According to this same report, the former Glavred said that he was tired of "all lie."
Shortly before, at the Sea Bulletin - Sovfracht will appear as the press center of the group of companies Sovfraht-Sovmortrans "in which, inter alia, stated:" We regret to refute the facts presented by some media on the threats received in the mail Voitenko. Yet earlier he Voitenko said by telephone from Turkey to several news agencies that the day before he "left Russia after the story. According to him, on Tuesday night friends warned him by phone that he wanted revenge on "certain influential people."
is not a threat but a warning
Later in a telephone conversation with the Internet-edition "Gazeta.Ru Mikhail Voitenko confirmed that he was in Istanbul and said:" On his website, I wrote that on a business trip, but I just do not want to substitute "Sovfracht, therefore, written . This is my problem, not my employers, and I will continue to publish what I know. " He stressed that Tuesday night he "phoned to threaten and warn" that the state structures to have him there are claims for "first publication of the Arctic Sea". According to friends Vojtenko against him preparing a criminal case.
Sea Bulletin first reported on the disappearance of Arctic Sea cargo ship on 23 July and then regularly published reports on events around the vessel. The press has been suggested that the Arctic Sea transporting smuggled weapons. Earlier, Mikhail Voitenko noted that he has reason to fear for his life due to the fact that he gave publicity to the story of the disappearance of the Arctic Sea.
"I'm afraid, not that me on the street pribyut. I am afraid that I, for one, will find a ton of heroin, or find out suddenly that Voitenko - old and sick pedophile or a maniac," - he admitted in an interview with Deutsche Welle in late August. "Frankly, I think I am still alive because there are some terribly angry at me, and others terribly glad that I picked up the story," - said to Glavred "Maritime Bulletin".
S /AFP /"Interfax"
Editor: Andrei Kobyakov
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,...litics-320-xmlPosted 04-09-2009 at 04:23 by Кирилл Сызранский
