Latest update: 21/04/2010 

- French military - Piracy (maritime) - Somalia


Pirates open fire at French military ship, six arrested

Pirates open fire at French military ship, six arrested

A French military supply ship off the coast of Somalia was attacked by pirates mistaking it for a merchant ship. Six pirates were later captured, the EU’s naval force said Wednesday.

By News Wires (text)
 

AFP - Six pirates have been arrested after they launched an attack on a French military supply ship by mistake off the coast of Somalia, the EU's naval force said Wednesday.
  
"The pirates, mistaking the FS Somme's silhouette for that of a merchant vessel, opened fire on the French ship. FS Somme responded with warning shots, causing the two pirate skiffs to flee," EUNAVFOR said in a statement.
  
"The mother ship was captured less than half an hour later with two pirates on board, and her fuel and pirate paraphernalia (weapons and grappling lines) were seized. The mother ship was destroyed and sank.
  
"FS Somme then gave chase to the skiff which was apprehended with a further four pirates on board. The skiff and the six pirates are now being held on board FS Somme," it said.
  
The attack took place on the night of April 19, 400 nautical miles (741 kilometres) east of the Somali coast.
 

Date created : 21/04/2010 
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