Hobyo, Mudug, Somalia

Hobyo (aka Obbia, Hobyaa, Hoboyo) Somalia (Google Earth, coordinates:95.20'58.35" N 48.31'36.60" E) is where three hijacked vessels are being held by pirates (MV Capt. Stephanos, MV Centauri and MV Faina). [click on Google Earth photograph for close-up]




Hobyo Wikipedia

Hobyo SiloBreaker

Waiting for the Neustrashimy, off the Somali Coast at Hobyo, Ecoterra 27th Update "The task of the destroyer Neustrashimy (Unchallengeable) is to escort and protect Russian vessels or ships with Russian crew-members on board from pirate attacks," Russian Navy spokesman Capt. Igor Dygalo said according to RIA Novosti. Other maritime sources, however, claimed the Russian warship had already arrived in Somali waters. The Russian deployment has raised media speculation that Moscow, which has dealt harshly with hostage-takers in the past, could use force to free the crew of the MV FAINA. Russia's central command, however, had earlier ruled out a direct military engagement with the situation concerning the weapon-laden ship pinned down at the Somali coast by several US and EU navy ships plus a submarine in the area, which regularly is also spotted further South near Mogadishu harbour. (Buzzle.com 10/21/2008)