Somali pirates taken to Seychelles for prosecution

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Six suspected Somali pirates have been transferred to the Indian Ocean Island of Seychelles for prosecution, it has emerged, with the culprits transported using an EU worship, after they were involved in the Gulf of Aden incident which was classified as a pirate attack.

Last weekend, the European Union Naval Force Operation Atalanta confirmed a 'suspicious approach' that involved the Marshall Islands-flagged Chrystal Arctic, taking place last Friday approximately 100 nautical miles north of Bosaso, Somalia.

Reports indicate the vessel sighted along the Gulf of Aden was carrying 5-6 individuals who were heavily armed. The UK Maritime Trade Operations has since confirmed the incident, terming it a suspected pirate raid within the coastline of Somalia.

On sighting the potential threat, the tanker’s Master implemented self-protection measures. The armed individuals on the small craft opened fire, leading to the vessel’s Armed Security Team returning fire, prompting the small craft to abandon its approach.

The ATALANTA warship took the six men into custody after the scuffle, as some were taken for treatment following injuries sustained. The incident has since been classified as a piracy attempt, officials said.

Seychelles is among the nations with whom Operation ATALANTA has a legal agreement allowing for the trial of suspected pirates arrested by its warships. The six will have to face the trial on the island, becoming the second lot to face prosecution.

Last month, many Somali pirates were taken to India for prosecution after they were nabbed in the Indian Ocean. Cases of piracy have increased along the 3,333 kilometers of coastline for the last two years, but the government has partnered with stakeholders to curb the incidents.

EUNAVFOR suspects the presence of two or more pirate action groups off the Somali coast following a string of recent dhow hijackings. Two merchant vessels, the MV Ruen and the MV Abdullah, were hijacked in December, with the former rescued by the Indian Navy after a three-month hostage situation.

There were reports that the pirates have signed a clandestine agreement with Al-Shabaab, a group seeking to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia. Under the agreement, the two groups would share proceeds of ransom in all successful piracy incidents.

GAROWE ONLINE