Detained Russian crew “well”

A Russian fishing crew remain detained in the southern Somalia port of Kismayo as representatives of their trawler’s owners and the Russian government seek ways to secure their release. The official Russian news agency Itar-Tass said representatives of the trawler’s owners, Europe-Trans Company, are in constant contact with the crew, and have asked the Russian government to help in securing the release of the Russian fishermen. The company said it was unable to pay the US $200,000 dollars demanded to free four Russian crew members, Itar-Tass said. The trawler, Gorizont-2, remains in Kismayo while the local agent demands money for fishing rights from the company, the Russian news agency said. It said there was constant radio contact with the crew - detained in Kismayo for nearly a month - who are well. Meanwhile, at least eight people were killed and more than 20 wounded when rival militia exchanged heavy gunfire in Kismayo on Saturday 14 April, international news agencies said. According to local radio messages sent from Kismayu, a residential area was attacked, and teashops and restaurants fired on, Reuters news agency said.