Latest piracy news (Dec 1, 2013)

(BRUSSELS2)

Latest report on piracy

In 2013, there were 234 "incidents" reported including 12 captures of ships (hijackings) by pirates around the world, according to a latest report established by the international maritime chamber of commerce. The "Somali front" remains calm with 13 reported incidents and 2 captures. While off Nigeria, there were 30 incidents and 2 captures. West Africa is now more dangerous than East Africa.

Pirates off Kenya?

Kenya Defense Force (KDF) spokesman Emmanuel Chirchir has warned that any pirate attack will be answered. " Our navy troops are patrolling Kenyan territorial waters as far as Kismayo in Somalia, and any attempt to attack the ships will be firmly foiled “, he declared to the new China agency. We are witnessing a resurgence of attacks with the milder weather. Five failed attacks were recorded in the Indian Ocean in November, according to Andrew Mwangura, general secretary of the Kenya Seafarers' Union (KSU). The Kenyan government has also announced the strengthening of Kenyan actions on land. " We decided to tackle the piracy problem at the source and the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) entered Somalia last year to team up with allied forces, and we are now on the path to stabilizing Somalia said a government official on condition of anonymity.

TF 473 deploys in the Indian Ocean

The Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier left for the Indian Ocean for a 3-month mission which will include various exercises and port visits. It forms the heart of the Naval Air Group (GAN) made up of the anti-aircraft defense frigate Forbin (D-620), the anti-submarine frigate John of Vienna, the oil tanker Meuse and a nuclear attack submarine. In addition to the combat buildings, the embarked air group (GAé) composed of 10 Flurry, 10 Super Standards Modernized, 2 Hawkeyee, 2 helicopters Dolphin, a helicopter Alouette III, 2 helicopters Caracal. In all 2600 sailors. On the program, after ten days of certification of the group in the Western Mediterranean, air and maritime cooperation with partner countries, in particular Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, specifies the General Staff of the armies. And close cooperation with the American carrier group, formed around theUSS Harry S. Truman, which will be present in the Arabian Sea and the Arabian-Persian Gulf at the same time.

French reinforcement for Atalanta

The TCD landing craft Sirocco (L-9012) and the notice Cdt Ducuing (F-795) will join the European anti-piracy force Eunavfor Atalanta (TF 465) in the Indian Ocean. A French officer (Rear Admiral Blejean) will command TF 465 from December 2013 until April 2014.

The Spanish F-101 soon in Ocean Shield

The Spanish Air Defense Frigate Alvaro de Bazan (F-101) will be integrated into NATO's anti-piracy operation, Ocean Shield. The ship, which is currently part of the counter-terrorism mission Active Endeavor in the Mediterranean, should pass the Suez Canal at the beginning of December.

Back home for RFA Lyme Bay

After 32 days of patrol within the European operation EU Navfor Atalanta, the large British landing ship took the road back to the English coast. On board, 8 Lynx Mark helicopters and a Marine Sniper Team, as well as 5 RHIB fast boats from the 539th Assault Squadron Royal Marines (2 Rigid inflatable boats and 3 Offshore raiding craft).

Lyme Bay's crew carried out 11 "friendly approaches" with local fishermen but also numerous intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. He also participated in the "Cutlass Express" exercise, led by the US Navy, off Dibouti. The British ship played the role of target ship and “provided its expertise in boarding procedures and techniques” specifies the Eunavfor press release.

Tanzanian Navy training 

The Spanish Ocean Patrol Boat Meteoro (P-41), calling at the Port of Dar es Salaam, conducted a series of trainings of Tanzanian Navy personnel to build local maritime capabilities. The participants were briefed by the ship's commander, Juan Carlos Pérez, on the contribution of the Spanish Navy (and other European navies) to the EU anti-piracy operation "Atalanta". The theoretical training also dealt with general aspects. A highlight was the explanation of the safety rules for the planned exercises.

 

Meeting with Chinese forces 

Commander of the European Union Naval Anti-Piracy Force (EUnavfor), Dutchman Peter Lenselink, met his Chinese counterparts on Friday (22 November) aboard the Chinese flagship Jing Gangshan in the Gulf of Aden. The visit was an opportunity to discuss counter-piracy operations. The Chinese task force will provide escort to World Food Program (WFP) ships delivering aid to Somalia. " The cooperation with the Chinese navy is remarkable and underlines the importance they place on security and freedom of trade at sea. said Commodore Peter Lenselink.

 

Refueling at sea: thank you Americans

On the morning of Tuesday, November 19, the Italian warship ITS Libeccio (F-572) conducted a replenishment at sea (RAS) with the US auxiliary ship USNS Arctic. Refueling is an extremely delicate maneuver (all sailors will tell you that). It requires the two vessels to sail very close together, so that the fuel hoses can first slide to the other vessel and then remain relatively stable throughout the operation. It is also common for one supply ship in an operation to supply several ships with gasoline, water and food. The ITS Libeccio was thus able to continue its counter-piracy patrol in a high-risk area off the Somali coast.

(Leonor Hubaut & Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)