The “sweeping sweep” operation continues in the Indian Ocean
(BRUSSELS2) Lhe Dutch frigate, Hr.Ms Tromp, which is taking part in the European anti-piracy operation, arrested and disarmed 13 more pirates. The Dutch had already made a first interception of 9 pirates (read:2 new groups pirates neutralized. Pirates released), when they discovered, on radar, 3 additional suspect boats: a mother ship and two small skiffs, about 400 km south-west of the Seychelles. They were actually heading for the Dutch ship... Realizing their mistake, they tried to turn around, it was too late!
Spun for several miles, the decision to intercept has been made. Aided by the Lynx helicopter, the marine commandos, aboard two RHIB inflatables, reacted and succeeded in stopping the 3 boats. Not without harm. It took several warning shots from the helicopter and RHIBs. On board, the soldiers found some pirate paraphernalia (ladders, weapons, etc.). The suspects have been disarmed. But since no connection with an attack could be proven, they were put back in the dinghy. with enough fuel, water and food, according to European directives, so that they can reach the Seychelles” says the Dutch Ministry of Defence. The coastguards of the archipelago have been notified.
Operation "Sweep"
Another group of pirates would still have been spotted, specifies the Ministry of Defense which confirms the name of the operation "Broom sweep". A very symbolic name for the Dutch sailors of the Tromp. Since Admiral Maarten Tromp, after his victory over the British in 1652, always had a broom hoisted next to his flag, a symbol of the desire to clean the sea. Since then, the captain's cabin of the Tromp ship has always been adorned... with a broom. Sacred character that this Marteen who has a long history with pirates and other corsairs. The story (or the legend) says that attacked by the English pirate Peter Easton on the way to Guinea, he rallied the crew to the cry: "Ne
don't you want to avenge my father's death?" while his father had just succumbed under the blows. He was taken prisoner, then released a few years later. He went back to sea at the age of 19 but was captured again in 1621 by Barbary corsairs off Tunis. Released again, he joined the Dutch fleet and served as fleet commander.
NB: French tuna boats escaped a pirate attack yesterday.
(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)
