Suspected pirate skiff disrupted by new EU NAVFOR flag ship FS DE GRASSE and ITS LIBECCIO’S helicopter

Aug 17, 2010 - 15:36
Today, Tuesday 17 August, a suspected pirate skiff equipped with a ladder and a large quantity of fuel barrels has been intercepted by EU NAVFOR means in the eastern part of the Gulf of Aden.

Intelligence was initially reported by helicopter from Task Force 508 flag ship HDMS ESBERN SNARE. EU NAVFOR ITS LIBECCIO’s helicopter was sent on scene to intercept the skiff. After attempts to stop it, LIBECCIO’s helicopter performed three successive warning shots, all in vain.

Already en route to the skiff’s position, EU NAVFOR flag ship FS DE GRASSE eventually chased it and sent her boarding teams and helicopter to stop the suspected pirates. All suspicious equipments have been seized.

EU NAVFOR Somalia – Operation ATALANTA’s main tasks are to escort merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid of the World Food Program (WFP) and vessels of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), and to protect vulnerable vessels in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, and to deter and disrupt piracy. EU NAVFOR also monitors fishing activity off the coast of Somalia.

 

 

Categories