Seven Pirates in Custody after attacking EU Vessel

March 30, 2009 - 11:42

Events in the Gulf of Aden took an unexpected turn this weekend when the German Naval Tanker FGS SPESSART, that is currently attached to EU NAVFOR from NATO, was attacked 85 miles north of Bosasso yesterday afternoon.

The attacking skiff fled after the warship returned small arms fire and then gave chase with helicopter support from the nearby Dutch NATO warship HNLMS DE ZEVEN PROVINCIEN, the EU NAVFOR Spanish frigate SPS VICTORIA, and the CTF 151 American flagship USS BOXER.

Once the skiff was stopped, the Greek Op Atalanta Flagship PSARA was soon at the scene and detained the vessel until the 7 suspected pirates were taken into German custody onboard the frigate FGS RHEINLAND-PFALZ early this morning.

A decision regarding the venue of their trial will be taken later today.