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Naval
Forces News - Belgium |
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EU
Naval Force Belgian Frigate BNS Louise-Marie Apprehends Five Suspected
Pirates |
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In
the afternoon of 15 December 2012, the EU Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) Belgian
frigate BNS Louise-Marie intercepted one skiff with five suspected pirates
on board.
While underway to the probable pirates’ operating area, the Swedish
EU NAVFOR maritime patrol aircraft (MPRA) was able to locate the suspicious
skiff on 12 December 2012. The BNS Louise-Marie was tasked to conduct
a surface search in order to investigate this probable pirate action
group. |
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Belgian EU
Naval Force frigate, BNS Louise-Marie, and her boarding team closing
distance to skiff
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On 15 December, the MPRA was able to relocate the suspicious skiff.
Within 3 hours, BNS Louise-Marie’s helicopter was on scene, closely
followed by the frigate herself and her boarding team.
Upon arrival, BNS Louise-Marie
issued verbal warnings to the skiff whose crew quickly raised their
hands. BNS Louise-Marie’s Boarding Party was deployed in order
to apprehend the five suspected pirates. The skiff, equipped with a
ladder and a boarding hook, was taken on board the frigate. The five
suspected pirates are being held on board BNS Louise-Marie for further
investigation and evidence collection in order to fully assess the possibility
of prosecution. They are also being treated for symptoms of dehydration
and malnourishment. One of the men was also given medical treatment
for a wrist wound. |
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Belgian EU
Naval Force frigate Louise-Marie’s boarding team approaching the
suspected pirates
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This is BNS Louise-Marie’s third deployment in support of European
Naval Force Somalia – Operation Atalanta. During her time with
the EU Naval Force the ship will deter and disrupt piracy around the
Horn of Africa. The captain of BNS Louise-Marie stated that “This
action clearly showed the continued necessity of Operation Atalanta
Forces in the Horn of Africa as a deterrent for piracy, but also as
a force for good.”
From EU NAVFOR Public Affairs Office |
