Russia To Transfer Captured Pirates To Moscow

The Russian tanker "Moscow University" (file photo)

Russian investigators say pirates captured by a Russian warship during an armed operation to free a hijacked Russian-owned oil tanker will be transferred to Moscow to face charges.

A spokesman, Vladimir Markin, said one pirate was killed and 10 captured during the operation early today.

All 23 Russian crew were rescued unharmed.

The tanker was carrying $52 million worth of crude oil when it was hijacked by pirates in the Gulf of Aden on May 5.

compiled from agency reports