Hiiraan Online
Monday November 20, 2017
Six suspected pirates have been detained inside an Italian Navy ship off Somalia after EU anti piracy ships foiled two attempted attacks on foriegn vessels , EU naval force confirmed on Sunday.The Mission said in a press statement, the six suspected pirate crew using a motor-whaler and skiff attacked a 52,000 tonne container-ship and a fishing vessel on 17th and 18th November.
The suspects who fired number of RPGs at the container-ship overpowered following counter-piracy attack by Italian ITS Virginio Fasan ship.
The attack took place in the southern Somali basis, according to the statement.
"The suspected pirates were apprehended by the Italian marines from ITS Virginio Fasan after their vessels were located using Fasan's Sh-90 helicopter following initials searches by the Spanish Marintime Patrol Aircraft Cisne.
This search for the suspected pirates was coordinates with partners and from information provides by the masters of vessels concerned," reads the statement.
The Naval body said that RPGs fired at the container shop did not cause any damage to the ship.
"However, adherence to BMP4, the presence of a security team on one of the vessels and good seamanship avoided any damage or injuries and all crew and vessels are now safe," confirms the statement.
The mission said plans to transfer and prosecute the suspects are underway.
" A legal process has begun for the suspected pirates to be transferred to the appropriate authority for prosecution," noted EU Mission.
The mission have largely brought the piracy to an end and secured Indian Ocean.
However, experts warned that a new of illegal fishing by large trawlers may lead increase of piracy.