French marines repel pirates off the coast of the Seychelles (maj2)

The marines who protect French tuna boats off the Seychelles repelled a pirate attack on Saturday morning. In the early morning, the Drennec and the Glénan, operated by Cobrecaf (1), were in fact attacked by two skiffs (listen to the testimony of the captain on France-Info). The fishermen were, at that time, 195 miles off the coast of the Seychelles. The marines and marine commandos present on the tuna boats replied " to the threat by a graduated and proportionate use of force: illuminating fireworks, warning shots ” we explain to the General Staff of the armies. But that apparently wasn't enough. The pirates did not let themselves be told. " Three times, the pirates interrupted their attack before relaunching it. In their last attempt, the pirates used their weapons. The
(Marines) then replied in the direction of the skiffs. It was only then that they gave up the pursuit, without asking for their remainder. " No
injured is to be deplored on the side of the Marines and the fishermen ". On the other hand, no assessment was communicated on the side of the pirates.

Other attacks to fear. On the side of Atalanta (the European anti-piracy operation), we confirm the attack. A patrol plane even flew over the area to spot the skiffs. The Seychelles Coast Guard have been alerted. A warning message was broadcast to all ships in the vicinity. It is feared that other fishing vessels that are not yet protected will be attacked. The Spaniards and the Seychelles are also accelerating the measures to protect their respective boats. The Seychelles government has already authorized the presence on board ships flying its flag (including 8 Basque boats) of armed, private personnel.

Marines deployed. About 40 to 60 marine riflemen, who come from the two marine rifle groups (GFM) of Brest and Toulon (FORFUSCO), were deployed in the Seychelles to protect French fishermen on board tuna boats. A small command and logistics structure of about ten men is also permanently installed in the Seychelles to coordinate and support their action. Some of his men have commando skills. They depend only on the French command - and not on Atalanta. It is in fact the Alindien - the French admiral commanding the forces in the Indian Ocean who is on board the BCR Somme - who leads them.

Update : arrest of suspects.
Read also: renewal of the tuna vessel-army contract

(1) Note that these vessels are not "small"boats but rather factory ships belonging to companies, some of which are listed on the stock exchange. The Drennec is 84 meters long, has 16 tuna tanks with a total capacity of 15.000 m³ and can go up to 17 knots (in being charged).