3 suspicious boats spotted by the Bremen near the Seychelles, released (updated)
(BRUXELLES2) Bad pick on Tuesday, in the Somali basin. The helicopter of the German frigate Bremen (which participates in the European anti-piracy operation Atalanta) had spotted three suspicious boats off the coast of the Seychelles (0109S 5355E), a mother ship, 10 meters long, and two small skiffs, with 4-5 people on board. Warning shots were fired and the suspicious boats stopped, we learn from Atalanta HQ. By the time the Bremen inspection team arrived, the helicopter crew could observe the people on board the boats throwing certain objects overboard (a classic maneuver among pirates but unusual among fishermen). On board, the soldiers discovered grappling hooks, ammunition, a GPS and 10 barrels of fuel. And no fishing gear. But not really proof. After having confiscated all the equipment that could be used for an act of piracy, the 11 "suspects" and their boats
were allowed to go back to sea on the big boat. Both skiffs were sunk by the frigate.
(Photo: Bundeswehr)
