French Fishing Trawler Opens Fire on Pirates
Last week, a French fishing trawler returned machined gun fire on a group of Somali pirates who were apparently trying to seize the vessel, according to European naval forces operating in the area.
Royal Navy Commander John Harbour, head of the EU task force, said the exchange of fire took place between two pirate skiffs and the trawler about 350 miles east of the Somali capital Mogadishu. The pirates opened fire on the fishing vessel. Her embarked military Vessel Protection Detachment fired warning shots after which the pirates broke off their attack.
The German warship FGS Karlsruhe, on anti-piracy patrol in the area, was ordered to set course to the attack position. Simultaneously, the helicopter of the Spanish warship ESPS Canarias, also on anti-piracy patrol, was launched and located two fast attack skiffs trying to flee the area of the attack. The helicopter fired warning shots to stop both skiffs, after which the pirates stopped and were seen throwing items, presumably pirate paraphernalia, overboard.
On arrival of FGS Karlsruhe her boarding team secured both skiffs, and found seven persons on board of the two skiffs. The French fishing vessel was requested to return to the scene to identify their attackers. Upon receiving their statements the seven suspected pirates were detained on board FGS Karlsruhe.
Several European fishing trawlers are operating in that part of the Indian Ocean and they have started to come under increasing attack from pirates. Just over a month ago the Spanish trawler Alakrana, and its entire 36-member crew were hi-jacked and taken to a rebel port. Two of the assailants were later arrested by security forces and flown to Spain where they have been charged and are expected to face trial for piracy. The Somali captors are demanding US$ 4 million ransom as well as the freeing of the two suspected pirates being held in Spain.
Fishing companies are being warned not to send vessels to fish the tuna grounds east of Mogadishu.
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