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When the Ukrainian ship the Faina was captured by Somali pirates in 2008, it hit the international headlines because of its dangerous cargo of tanks and weapons.

However, as it filled the news pages, back onboard the crew were enduring harsh conditions living with their pirate captors.

Crammed into a single cabin, they not only had to cope with volatile Somali guards, but also with tensions among themselves.

Artyom, one of the youngest on board, tried to stay calm as the older men began to panic.

He said, "they kept saying, 'we're all going to be killed!' (And) when you listen to that all day long, it really gets to you."

Two of the crew also told of a mock execution when they were made to stand against the ship's railings and given a last cigarette.

However, after four-and-a-half months, a $3.2 million ransom was paid and the Faina and crew were finally released.

Olga Betko, from the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Ukrainian Service, met five of the sailors from the Faina, now readjusting to normal life, and asked them about their long and frightening experience.