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Gulf Of Aden,
November 21, 2009 – At 08:44 on Thursday (Nov 19, 2009) whilst on patrol
in the Gulf of Aden, the Flagship of NATO’s Standing Maritime Group One
(SNMG1) received a distress call from a cargo vessel, which reported
that it was being pursued by pirates and in need of immediate
assistance.
The Flagship - Portuguese Navy frigate NRP Álvares Cabral, scrambled its
helicopter and made best speed to intercept the pirate ship that was in
waters 110 miles north of the Somali port of Boosaaso and 60 miles south
of the Internationally Recommended Traffic Corridor (IRTC) – a route
through the Gulf of Aden established to protect maritime shipping.
An EU Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Spanish Maritime Patrol Aircraft also
assisted in locating the pirates, and as the NATO warship’s helicopter
approached the scene, the aircrew witnessed the pirates throwing a
number of weapons and a ladder overboard.
Shortly after 11 o’clock this morning the pirate ‘skiff’ was boarded by
a Portuguese Marines team from Álvares Cabral. The marines inspected the
skiff and identified the suspect pirates, gathering in the process
important operational information. On completion of the action the NATO
Flagship resumed patrolling the sea area to protect shipping.
Rear-Admiral Pereira da Cunha, commander of the NATO Task-Force and
embarked in NRP Álvares Cabral stated “This naval operation should be
seen as a warning to pirates that NATO and her maritime partners are
co-operating, well-coordinated and ready to help deter piracy attacks in
the Gulf of Aden”.
The Commanding Officer of Álvares Cabral, Captain Nobre de Sousa, also
commented – “Álvares Cabral’s action today has demonstrated NATO forces’
resolve in keeping the Gulf of Aden safe from the scourge of piracy,
while supporting regional seafarers”.
With this action, co-ordinated between NATO and EU assets, another
pirate attack was disrupted thus contributing to the international
efforts to tackle piracy actions off Somalia.
Source: Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1), November 19, 2009
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