On 16 November 2010, pirates failed in pirating the MV AFRICAN EAGLE, a Bahamas-flagged bulk carrier, thanks to self-protection measures adopted by the vessel.
Early this morning, the MV AFRICAN EAGLE reported it had been fired upon by a skiff, approximately 30 nautical miles from Mombasa (Kenya). The Pirate Action Group attempted to board the merchant vessel, but the barbed wires and electrical fencings installed on the vessel prevented them from boarding. Being unable to take control over the vessel, the Pirate Action Group eventually aborted his attack and left the scene.
The purpose of the Best Management Practices (BMP) booklet is to assist ships to avoid, deter or delay piracy attacks off the coast of Somalia, including the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea. Experience, supported by data collected by Naval Forces, shows that the application of the recommendations contained within this booklet can, and will, make a significant difference in preventing a ship becoming a victim of piracy.
“The fact is that there will never be enough warships to blanket cover this huge area. In the Indian Ocean, you should consider self-defence as your only defence”, said Simon Church, Merchant Navy Liaison Officer of EU NAVFOR Operational Headquarters, during a meeting in October with maritime industry representatives. “You have to prepare and train your crew before they transit this highly dangerous area.”
Early this morning, the MV AFRICAN EAGLE reported it had been fired upon by a skiff, approximately 30 nautical miles from Mombasa (Kenya). The Pirate Action Group attempted to board the merchant vessel, but the barbed wires and electrical fencings installed on the vessel prevented them from boarding. Being unable to take control over the vessel, the Pirate Action Group eventually aborted his attack and left the scene.
The purpose of the Best Management Practices (BMP) booklet is to assist ships to avoid, deter or delay piracy attacks off the coast of Somalia, including the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea. Experience, supported by data collected by Naval Forces, shows that the application of the recommendations contained within this booklet can, and will, make a significant difference in preventing a ship becoming a victim of piracy.
“The fact is that there will never be enough warships to blanket cover this huge area. In the Indian Ocean, you should consider self-defence as your only defence”, said Simon Church, Merchant Navy Liaison Officer of EU NAVFOR Operational Headquarters, during a meeting in October with maritime industry representatives. “You have to prepare and train your crew before they transit this highly dangerous area.”