German warship “disrupts” suspected pirates

On the morning of June 10, the EU NAVFOR German warship FGS Niedersachsen detected a suspected Pirate Action Group (PAG) while conducting a routine patrol in the Southern Somali Basin.

The pirates, which were suspected of carrying out a number of attacks on merchant vessels in the area, consisted of a fishing dhow and 2 attack skiffs and were seen with small arms and Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPG) on board.

Although the Dhow was considered to be a real threat to shipping in the area, fears for the safety of hostages on board prevented the Niedersachsen from taking direct action against the vessel.  Instead, the warship opened fire on the 2 attack skiffs, sinking them in the process.  Having lost its skiffs, the Dhow changed course and made its way back toward Somalia.

This disruption has undoubtedly hampered pirate action and avoided highly probable attacks on merchant shipping and vulnerable vessels in the area.

Via EU NAVFOR

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