Latest piracy news (2.3.2014)

(BRUSSELS2)

Ukrainian frigate Hetman Sagaidachniy returns home

The Ukrainian frigate Hetman Sagaidachniy returns home after having completed his two periods in the Indian Ocean on the fight against piracy, first under NATO and then the EU. She joined the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) in early January. THE Hetman Sagaidachniy conducted several patrols in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean and made a number of friendly approaches with local sailors and fishermen. It was the first time that Ukraine participated in an EU maritime operation. For the commander of the Ukrainian contingent, Rear Admiral Andrey (Andrii) Tarasov: “ It was a great honor to be the first Ukrainian warship to contribute to international counter-terrorism efforts.a piracy”. The ship stopped at the Greek base in La Sude (Crete) for refueling. And the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense denied that the ship approached the "Cross of Saint Andrew", the emblem of the Russian navy. " Ukrainian soldiers remain faithful to the oath of the people of Ukraine, continue to honorably serve their duties and proudly display the flag of Ukraine on the way to their native land explained Andrey Tarasov.

Two incidents in the Indian Ocean in the past 15 days

A container ship was the subject of a "suspicious approach" on February 13 by an isolated skiff around 15 p.m. (UTC) at 1° north and 44°, in the Indian Ocean a few miles off Barawe (Puntland). Five people were on board the skiff, armed, and fired in the direction of the ferry. The onboard security team responded with fire; however, it took 20 minutes for the attackers to give up and leave the edge. Some containers suffered from some bullet damage, we said to the BMI. But ship and personnel are safe and sound.

Another incident occurred on the other side of the ocean, at the end of February (February 28), in the Gulf of Oman, 40 miles from Gwadar (Pakistan). A bulk carrier was chased by a skiff for approximately 4 hours. The captain used maneuvers to evade and delay the attackers, closed in on Pakistani shores and requested naval assistance. The Pakistan Navy deployed a vessel which successfully located the skiff and arrested the suspects.