Naval forces capture pirates from first Somali attack of 2014

On 18 January, one day after pirates fired on a product tanker in the Gulf of Aden, EU Navfor Somalia Operation Atalanta flagship FS Siroco working with Japanese air and sea patrols freed the crew of dhow that was being used as a pirate mothership. They also apprehended five pirates believed to have been involved in the attack on 17 January.

Following the attack a Japanese maritime patrol aircraft and a helicopter from the Japanese vessel JS Samidare located the dhow and FS Siroco was able to launch a helicopter and boarding team.

“Once the Siroco’s team boarded the dhow, five Somali suspect pirates surrendered and were separated from the dhow’s crew and transferred to FS Siroco for further investigation,” EU Navfor said.

The master of dhow stated that the pirates had been involved in the attack on the tanker.

“Thanks to an exceptionally effective international cooperation, we showed once more that there will be no safe haven for piracy in the area as long as Counter Piracy Forces remain fully dedicated to their task. I also congratulate FS Siroco with this success,” said EU Navfor Force Commander, Rear Admiral Hervé Bléjean.