The Mv Syrian Star released. 2 injured sailors treated

(BRUSSELS2) Captured by pirates on Thursday (read here), the MV SYRIAN STAR was apparently abandoned by its captors who left the ship, "of their own accord", using one of the rescue boats, confirms the HQ of the EU anti-piracy operation "Atalanta ". Two sailors were injured in the initial attack during the boarding. They were taken care of, along with a third sailor injured in a work accident, by a medical team from the German frigate Schleswig-Holstein which was airlifted to the merchant ship. They could be evacuated if their condition requires it, we specify on the European side.

The ship had approached the Somali coast, near Bossasso. Where the Puntland authorities planned to storm quickly, according to the NGO Ecoterra, which adds that the ship which was carrying a cargo of sugar in was the subject of a negotiation between the Somali clans.

Non-compliance with good practices

(updated) According to the Bundeswehr, the ship did not comply with any of the safety instructions, yet recommended internationally by the International Maritime Bureau and the MSCHOA (EUNAVFOR operation anti-piracy center). In 5 minutes, the pirates were able to take control of the ship. While the German frigate and an American destroyer were in the vicinity and could thus have intervened quickly.

(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)