A new ship attacked in the Indian Ocean. 9 suspects arrested (update)

(BRUSSELS2) A merchant ship flying the Danish flag, the MV Torm Kansas, has just been attacked in the middle of the Indian Ocean, between the Kenyan coast and the Seychelles, this Saturday (November 9). According to our information, a skiff armed with about 5 pirates approached very closely. Shots were exchanged between the team of private guards aboard the vessel and the occupants of the skiff.

The same group of pirates operating in the area

This attack, very similar to the one that occurred on November 6, raised maximum alert among anti-piracy forces (read: A merchant ship attacked. Pirate groups in the area).

The suspect skiff could thus be quickly located by maritime patrol aircraft in the area. Given its location (in the middle of the ocean), however, it could not be alone. If the traditional modus operandi is observed, a mother ship or a reserve/logistics team could be located nearby.

(Maj 10/11 17:30 p.m.) Pirates arrested

The affair did not drag on... And on Sunday (November 10), the Danish ship HDMS Esbern Snare, which is taking part in NATO's Operation Ocean Shield, and was closest to the incident, located two suspicious boats in the Indian Ocean and arrested nine pirates. " During the night, despite bad conditions, the Danish military managed to locate the skiff and the whaler (NB: acting as mother ship) » says an officer of the alliance. And in the early morning the special maritime investigation unit, supported by the Lynx helicopter, intervened.

The suspects surrendered without resistance and are currently being held aboard the Esbern Snare, says one at NATO HQ Marcom in Northwood. This incident is both a good example of the international community's success in detecting pirates, but it also encourages us to remain vigilant.", explained Commodore Henning Amundsen who commands the Danish ship. " The root causes of piracy remain. This obliges the international community to work to resolve these”.

Ocean Shield currently has 4 ships, in addition to the HDMS Esbern Snare, this is Norwegian HNAMES Fridtjof Nansen (F-310), American USS De Wert (FFG-45) and Ukrainian UNF Hetman Sagaidachny.

Brought to justice?

Normally, all the criteria are met for a presentation before the Danish courts: high seas, Danish flag attacked, arrest by Danish soldiers. If the Kingdom prefers not to take care of the problem, especially since the suspects have not been caught red-handed. They could then be transferred to the Seychelles authorities unless they are simply... released.

(NGV)

Lire: Ukraine in EU and NATO operations. A desire for integration