Pirates capture new fishing vessel, Thai

(B2) Early this morning, a Thai fishing vessel, the Thai Union 3, was attacked and captured by two pirate skiffs near the Seychelles Exclusive Economic Zone, 200 miles north of the Seychelles (and 650 miles offshore Somalis), we are told at the Northwood HQ of Operation Atalanta (the European anti-piracy operation) (1). EUNAVFOR's permanent maritime patrol aircraft, based in the Seychelles, has been dispatched. At 5:30 GMT (9:30 a.m. local time), visual contact could be established, according to initial reports, and confirmed that the pirates had succeeded in their attack and were on board. The skiffs used having been reassembled. With this ship, there are now 8 ships in the hands of Somali pirates. And the Seychelles are now one of the "at risk" areas, just as much as the Somali coasts. And the recommendation is now made for ships to pass east of the Seychelles.

(NGV)

(1) Early this morning a Thailand flagged fishing vessel (Thai Union 3) was under attack by two skiffs in the Position about 200 nautical miles north of the Seychelles and 650 miles off the Somali coast. At 5.30 UTC the EU NAVFOR Maritime Patrol Aircraft made visual contact with the fishing vessel and confirmed that pirates were on board. Skiffs used by pirates have been sighted onboard the fishing vessel. Adding this fishing vessel to the total number, this makes 8 ships in total held by somali pirates.