Seychellois coast guards' flash action to recover a fishing vessel (Maj)

(BRUSSELS2) The special anti-piracy unit of the Tazar and the Seychelles coastguard carried out this morning (20 April) a force action to recapture a fishing vessel, the FV Gloria, captured by Somali pirates yesterday. Action successful. But at the cost of 4 wounded.

The Seychelles Coast Guard had yesterday (Tuesday 19 April) received a distress call from an unknown fishing vessel, later identified as the 'Gloria', a local fishing vessel. Indian Dornier reconnaissance aircraft, coast guard ships Andromache et The arrow thus a rapid intervention boat, with the personnel of the Tazar, went on the spot. The ship was located 150 nautical miles northeast of Mahé (the main island of the Seychelles). " A stealthy approach to the captured boat was made in the evening, while tracking the vessel on radar “, according to the account given by the Seychellois authorities. " Several radio calls summoned the Gloria to stop. But no response was received. At dawn this morning, the coastguards and the Tazar then launched the assault ».

The 4 Seychellois fishermen were recovered and seven Somali pirates were captured. But the assault left 4 injured: a fisherman, Bernard R., as well as three suspected Somali pirates. They were immediately transferred for medical treatment to Mahé hospital. The fishermen and the rest of the suspected pirates captured are expected to arrive on Thursday (tomorrow) in Mahé, the presidency said.

(maj) One of the pirates died during his transfer, we learned on Wednesday afternoon.

NB: we can note that the Dutch frigate From Tromp which participates in NATO's Operation Ocean Shield has been in the Seychelles for the past few days. No additional information on a possible involvement of the Dutch military in this action.