Latest piracy news (June 19, 2011) (Update)

(BRUSSELS2) The MV Suez odyssey n'is to finished!

Released on June 11 or 13, according to sources, the Egyptian freighter MV Suez is not at the end of its troubles. On June 15, he was again attacked by pirates. They narrowly missed retaking the ship. But the sailors managed to thwart the attack. THE PNS Babur, a Pakistani ship came to its aid. Not without provoking a diplomatic incident. The Indian Ship, Godavari, who also (delayed) came to the aid of the merchant ship, nearly ruined the rescue operation and used " dangerous maneuvers “, believe the Pakistanis. The Pakistani ministry is also officially protesting to the Indian embassy in Karachi, citing a violation of the Indo-Pakistani agreement of 1991. The Indian navy has denied such intervention. The crew of the Mv Suez is mixed - including 6 Indians and 4 Pakistanis - hence this pursuit... maritime and diplomatic. After the attack, a team of 9 marine commandos (Pakistani) was placed on board to deal with any other event. But that's not all. The crew first had to deal with an engine problem which was overcome. But on Saturday, the ship's captain reported that he was out of oil and would not be able to reach Salalah (Oman) without help. An attempt to refuel in the open sea seems difficult given the weather conditions. The other solution would be for a tug to come to their rescue. PNS Babur offered the crew to come on board if they so wished. (Maj) Finally, on Sunday, given the strong winds that threatened to capsize the boat, the ten crew members joined the Pakistani ship. Before leaving, the captain of the ship opens the valves of the ship to scuttle and sink it. The owner of the ship, Egyptian, did not come to their rescue, he explains in the Indian press. Also read: Latest piracy news (June 13)

Sun (June 19) Portuguese and British frigates foil an attack

The Portuguese frigate VASCO DA GAMA – flagship of the EUNAVFOR Atalanta operation, thwarts the attack of a suspicious skiff against the MV EJNAN in the Gulf of Aden. By the time the Vasco da Gama arrived in the area, contact was maintained by radio; which made it possible in particular to give the sailors recommendations for rejecting the attack. The British frigate HMS Richmond also dispatched its helicopter; which stopped the attack. While the Portuguese boarding party closed in and intercepted the 4 pirates. However, due to lack of evidence, they were released. And the material having been used for confiscated piracy.

Sat (June 18) Prison sentences for "conveyors of funds"

The six foreigners apprehended on May 24 on their arrival in Somalia with a large sum of money - $3,6 million undoubtedly intended for the payment of ransoms - are sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison by the court from Mogadishu. The heaviest sentence (15 years in prison and a $15.000 fine) strikes an American and one of the British, the pilots of the planes. Two other Britons and two Kenyans were sentenced to 10 years in prison and $10.000 fine. The money was seized. (also read: Latest piracy news (May 30))

Fri (June 17). 24 pirates handed over to Kenya by Danish Navy

24 suspected pirates held on board the Esbern Snare will be handed over to the Kenyan authorities as soon as possible. They had been arrested on May 12, during the forcible release of an Iranian ship used by pirates as a mother ship. This is the first legal action in an African country by Denmark. Two options had been considered, specifies Thomas Winckler, head of the legal department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to AFP: either a prosecution in Denmark for having fired on the Danish soldiers, or a prosecution in Kenya, the place of origin of the capture. of hostages. The first option, however, was abandoned for lack of evidence, it could not be determined who had fired on the Danish military. Also read: The offensive against pirate motherships continues

Thu (June 16). Susan K released after 70 days in captivity

Flying the flag of Antigua & Barbuda, the German vessel Susan K is released against a ransom of $5 million. Her crew of 10 sailors (4 Ukrainians and 6 Filipinos) lived 70 days in captivity. He had been captured on April 8, 200 miles northeast of Salalah (Oman). He made his way to a safe port, confirms the HQ of the European anti-piracy operation Atalanta. Also read: Latest piracy news (April 10)

Wed (June 15). 10 years of required against a Somali pirate in Brussels

The Somali pirate suspected of having hijacked the Pompei, a Belgian ship in 2009, Omar Mohammed Abdiwahad and arrested during a failed attempt on the cargo ship, Petra, in November 2010, appeared before the Brussels Criminal Court. He denies the facts. The prosecutor requested a 10-year prison sentence. Judgment on June 29. Also read: Latest piracy news (May 30)

Wed (June 15). A Dutch tanker for Atalanta

The Dutch Supply Ship Hr. Ms. Zuiderkruis (A-832), with its 200 crew, will participate in the European anti-piracy mission Eunavfor Atalanta from September to November, confirms the Minister of Defense, Hans Hillen before the Dutch parliament. It is no longer brand new. But still very useful. It entered service in 1975 (and is due to be retired in 2014).

Wed (June 15). Suspect pirate skiff disarmed and released

The American ship, theUSS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), operating on behalf of CTF 151, intercepts a suspicious skiff in the International Corridor (IRTC) of the Gulf of Aden. He had been spotted a little earlier in the afternoon by a Japanese maritime patrol plane which had detected five people on board, grappling hooks, hooks, ladders and several barrels of gasoline. Material that the suspects hastened to throw overboard as the warship approached. The American sailors then ensured that no more equipment was on board and freed their occupants.

Wed (June 15). A mother ship burns … all alone

A fire destroyed the MV Orna, a ship flying the Panamanian flag, captured by pirates and converted into a mother ship and forced to evacuate pirates and crew. The origin of the fire is unknown. According to the Associated Press, who interviewed a hacker named Abdi, the fire was caused by an electrical problem in the kitchen. NB: it was one of the last particularly active mother ships that the multinational forces wanted to neutralize. Also read: Latest piracy news (June 5)