Tromp Marines spring into action (Maj)
(BRUSSELS2) The decision to "muscle up" the European Union's anti-piracy operation EUNAVFOR Atalanta is now applicable. And the sailors of the Dutch frigate Hr Ms Tromp demonstrated this on Monday, before return home, by regaining control of a merchant ship, captured by pirates. Narrative...
The container ship flying the German flag, the MV Taipan, was on her way from Mombasa (Kenya) to Djibouti when she was attacked by pirates. The sailors do try to dodge the attack, the pirates are already on board. In accordance with the instructions, however, they have time to stop and deactivate all the machines, then retreat to the bottom of the ship in a secure room closed from the inside, and give the alert.
The Dutch Frigate Tromp receives the alert at 9:45 a.m. local time, and quickly rushes to the scene. A first overflight of the helicopter Lynx confirms that the pirates are on board, the two skiffs towed at the rear of the Taipan. On the spot, the Dutch try to obtain the surrender of the pirates, by VHF radio and megaphone. Without success. A warning shot is fired. They still refuse to comply. The assault is decided with the triple green light from Northwood (Atalanta HQ), The Hague (Dutch forces) and Berlin (flag state). The High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Cathy Ashton, is simply kept informed. To go faster, and to make it simpler, the Tromp has, in fact, returned to the national flag. The Marines are then airlifted onto the Taipan. THE Tromp like the helicopter keep firing (to keep the pirates busy). Apparently no injuries.
The "Marines" regain control of the ship. Without too much damage: one of the marines is however injured, slightly according to The Hague, during the action. The crew of 13 (2 Germans, 3 Russians and 8 Sri Lankans)* are found safe and sound. The 10 pirates responsible for the package are arrested and transferred to the Tromp. Despite some damage to the deck, caused during the assault, the merchant ship was able to continue on its way.
(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)
* 15 people according to Dutch forces.
