On October 2nd the Norwegian surveillance aircraft, participating in the NATO operation Ocean Shield, a group of pirates approximately 400 kilometers east of the coast of Somalia. The group consisted of one main ship with supplies and a small, quicker boat for attacking civilian merchant vessels. Hand guns and ladders used for these attacks were also observed. Civilian vessels in the area were informed in order to be able to take necessary precautions.
Photo: Operation Ocean Shield
The nearby naval forces responded to the observation and sent the German frigate Köln to the area. Köln participates in the EU operation Atalanta, which is carried out as a parallel to the NATO operation, both counter piracy operations off the coast of Somalia.
Cooperated
On October 7th the Norwegian Orion aircraft was cooperating with the German frigate in order to relocate the pirates. After a few hours search the Norwegians discovered the pirates and were able to guide the frigate in to the area.
The German forces boarded the vessel and arrested the pirates. This group is most probably behind several attempted attacks in the area the last week and has been operating in these waters for a while. The main vessel was set on fire and the pirates were set ashore in Somalia.
The EU operation Atalanta and the NATO operation Ocean Shield cooperates and coordinate their operations in order to make the best possible use of the resources.