Latest piracy news (March 27, 2013)

(BRUSSELS2) The situation remains calm as regards piracy in the Indian Ocean. And ship releases have followed one another in recent weeks. There are officially only 2 ships left in the hands of the pirates and 60 hostages (read: Another ship freed from pirates (maj2) et A liberated Emirati ship. Spanish sailors to the rescue). The last incident officially reported by the maritime forces present in the area dates from March 4. This does not prevent certain acts of robbery from continuing in the ports. As reported by the BMI (international maritime bureau), a private guard was injured at the entrance to the Suez Canal, in Port Said, during an attack by a group of 6 thieves who embarked some goods before s 'escape. A classic of maritime life... However, you must not let go of the accelerator, points out US Navy captain Christopher Shay (see below).

Spanish succession in the Indian Ocean

The Spanish Frigate Numancia (F-83) will join the EU anti-piracy operation (EUNAVFOR Atalanta) in the Indian Ocean on April 6 (see photo).

Left Friday (March 22) in the morning of the naval base of Rota, the Numancia will raise the frigate Mendez Nunez (F-104). This is the second time the ship has taken part in this operation (the first time was in 2009).

Composed of 182 soldiers, it also has on board an air support team to service the two SH-60B helicopters, a naval force unit to ensure maritime security (VPD) and a medical team.

Seychellois Coastguard Training

During its stopover in the Seychelles, the sailors of the French frigate Courbet (F-712) provided training to several Seychelles coast guards from March 9 to 13. On the program – according to the General Staff – learning close operational intervention techniques (TIOR or hand-to-hand combat) and how to secure a hacked ship. The objective of these training courses carried out regularly by the vessels of the European Atalanta force, is to enable the coast guards of the countries of the region to strengthen their own capacities in the fight against piracy. An action also coordinated with the European operation to strengthen European capabilities (EUCAP Nestor).

Do not take your foot off the accelerator

The 27th meeting of SHADe (Shared Awareness and Declonfliction) was held in Bahrain on Tuesday (March 19) in Bahrain. The opportunity for the 31 nations participating in the fight against piracy within the various multinational operations - CTF, NATO "Ocean Shield" and EU "Eunavfor Atalanta - to compare their points of view and exchange information. he agenda of this meeting: the use of BMPs - Best Maritime Practices - by the industry, armed security teams and other tactics put in place to deter pirates from attacking. acts of piracy, now obvious, " the pirate threat remains a real concern wanted to warn the chief of staff of the CMF, the captain of the vessel (captain) American Christopher Shay. " We have done an excellent job. But if we take our foot off the accelerator, this success could easily backfire. ". The meeting was also attended by the heads of the Chinese, Russian and Indian anti-piracy forces. A welcome presence too. " It's great to see representatives of independent task force deployments increasing their presence. This input is extremely valuable for all those involved in SHADE »

Homecoming for Britain's Lynx crew

The Royal Navy's 217 Flight Lynx helicopter on board the French frigate Surcouf (F-711) returned home in early March after 4 months of joint deployment in the Indian Ocean. To their credit, the capture of 12 pirates who had attempted to attack the MV Jasmine. The deployment of 217 Flight on Surcouf was a “ great success and an opportunity to demonstrate the operational capacity and adaptability of our air fleet as well as to develop military relations between France and the United Kingdom and more broadly with the European Union welcomed the British Ministry of Defense in a press release. Read also:A group of pirates foiled near the Somali coast. 12 suspects arrested

Also read in recent weeks:

• A new commander for Eunavfor. (Portugal takes the lead)
• Italian flip-flop. The Maros return to India (Marine case continues to bubble)
• Luxembourg planes. They are back…