Six suspected Somali pirates have been detained for allegedly attacking a container ship and a fishing vessel with rocket propelled grenades.
The arrests were made on Sunday by the Italian naval vessel Virginio Fasan, which is operating in the region as part of the European Union Naval Force (EU NAVFOR).
The attacks reportedly took place over a 24 hour period between the 17 and 18 November in the Southern Somali Basin, in an area known for piracy incidents.
“During the incidents a number of rocket propelled grenades were fired against the container ship,” EU NAVFOR said in a statement.
“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.”
The six detained men were reported to be using a motor whaler as a mother ship and a skiff for the attack on the unnamed 52,000t containership.
“This search for the suspected pirates was coordinated with partners and from information provided by the masters of the vessels concerned,” EU NAVFOR said.
“Positive visual verification was made which allowed this to take place.”
A legal process has now begun for the suspected pirates to be transferred to the appropriate authority for prosecution.
“We were able respond rapidly and successfully to these incidents due to the combined efforts of all involved, maximising synchronisation with all our partners and forward deployed capabilities,” EU NAVFOR said.
“A reminder is made to all seafarers that adherence to BMP4 and registration with MSCHOA will help to overcome further illegal acts at sea.
“The presence of international counter-piracy forces in the area will continue to act as a deterrent to further incidents,” it added.
