HNLMS Rotterdam Intercepts Suspected Pirates Off Somalia

HNLMS Rotterdam put an end to the activities of a group of suspected pirates from Somalia. The men in question and their boat were taken on board the Rotterdam pending further decision-making.

The search for this pirate group began yesterday when the Spanish fishing boat Izurdia reported being under attack from a so-called skiff. “The Izurdia’s timely and detailed message enabled us to take targeted action. Following effective coordination between the staffs of the NATO and EU task forces active in the area, it was the Rotterdam that succeeded in apprehending the suspected pirates”, said Commodore Bekkering, commander of NATO Task Force 508.

Shots

“While we were searching for the skiff, it was sighted by our bridge crew, after which our Cougar helicopter and a boarding team were deployed”, said the captain of the Rotterdam, Captain Huub Hulsker. “The skiff was then made to stop with the help of warning shots. The boarding team brought the 7 suspects on board the HNLMS Rotterdam, where they are currently detained.

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Naval Today Staff,October 18, 2012; Image: Defensie