Nine hackers arrested in combined operation (Update)
(BRUSSELS2) Maritime anti-piracy forces did not take long to apprehend the pirates who had attacked two ships in the Indian Ocean in recent days. The British super tanker Island Splendor, flying the Hong Kong flag, was attacked last Friday (October 11) and a Spanish fishing vessel on Monday (October 14). The pirates were stopped in the Arabian Sea the next day (October 15), we have just learned.
Luxembourgers in the air, Australians and Dutch at sea
The attackers were tracked from the sky by a Luxembourg patrol plane, based in the Seychelles (which is taking part in the European operation EUNavfor). At sea, several ships participated including the flagship of Operation EUnavfor, the Dutch Johan de Witt (L-801) and the Australian ship HMAS Melbourne (FFG-05) which is taking part in Operation CTF-151 (Operation anti-piracy conducted under American impetus). In a combined move, the two ships " blocked the road to the Somali coast to the pirates tells a Dutch officer. A tactic used quite often. And who works... The Cougar on-board helicopter and the drone Scan Eagle were also out.
Shore blocking and picking
It was the Australian ship that was "picking". The ship's Seahawk helicopter pinpointed the position of the pirate skiff, which was then 500 miles off the Somali coast. And the Australian assault team proceeded to arrest the nine pirates. Both skiffs and their equipment were destroyed. This operation was also carried out with the support of Korean ships ROKS Wang Geon (DDH 978) and British RFA Fort Victoria (A-387) of the CTF-151 which, in particular, supplied the ships engaged in the operation.
The necessary coordination
As explained by the commander of the Zr. Hs Johan de Witt, Frank Foreman, “ It is clear that pirates are still operating off the coast of Somalia and that they pose a threat to the sea. The permanence and good cooperation of naval units in the region are therefore of great importance. »
(Maj) paper updated Tuesday, Oct. 22 with details of the operation
Read also: A super tanker attacked off Hobyo. Hackers are still out there warns Bob Tarrant
