11/12/2024
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NATO and the EU work together to thwart a pirate attack off the coast of Somalia


On Wednesday 5th June 2013, the NATO counter-piracy warship HNLMS VAN SPEIJK worked together with the European Union to provide support to an Indian dhow that was being attacked by suspected pirates off the coast of Bosaso (North-eastern Somalia).

Earlier that day, United Kingdom Marine Trade Operation (UKMTO), which is the shipping industry’s primary point of contact for piracy incidents, reported an attack on the Indian fishing dhow SHAHI FAIZE NOURE to all naval forces in the area. Rear Admiral Antonio Natale, the then NATO Operation Ocean Shield Commander, immediately ordered HNLMS VAN SPEIJK, the closest warship to the attack, to proceed to the suspected pirates’ location.

HNLMS VAN SPEIJK was able to reach SHAHI FAIZE NOURE’s last known position in search of the Indian dhow. During that time, the international staff onboard ITS San Marco was working together with the European Union’s Naval Force (EUNAVFOR), to coordinate efforts. The EUNAVFOR warship HSMS CARLSKRONA which was also in the area then launched her helicopter and located the dhow which had been boarded by the suspected pirates. The pressure exerted by the naval forces caused the pirates to quickly leave the dhow and fall back to the Somali coast. Less than 10 hours after the alert was broadcast by UKMTO, the 14 crewmembers of SHAHI FAIZE NOURE were safe again and able to return to their fishing activities.

Rear Admiral Natale, who handed over the command of Operation Ocean Shield to Commodore Henning Amundsen (Norwegian Navy) on 7th June 2013, commented on this occasion “cooperation has once again proved to be the strongest defence against piracy”.  He also added that “although the last successful pirate attack happened now more than a year ago, this failed attack proves that the pirates are still out there, capable to strike attacks and eager to make profits. Only coordinated efforts such as this one and the sea farers’ vigilance can ensure the shipping community is out of harm's way”



 





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