EU NAVFOR Warship BRANDENBURG Stops Suspected Pirates

The EU NAVFOR German warship Brandenburg investigated a suspected pirate skiff with a crew of five in the Gulf of Aden just south of Al Mukalla.

The EU NAVFOR warship launched a helicopter that observed, and filmed, the skiff's crew throwing ladders and weapons overboard. The skiff was ordered to stop but continued on at speed. The EU NAVFOR warship, through an interpreter, exhorted the skiff to stop but the skiff continued. Further warning shots were fired across the bow. The skiff stopped and a team boarded from a Rhib where weaponry was found. One of the five suspected pirates was wounded in the incident and although he received medical treatment onboard Brandenburg, was later pronounced dead.

European Naval Force - Operation Atalanta

EU NAVFOR Operation Atalanta acts in accordance with United Nations Security Councils resolutions. The military operation was launched 8 December and has been extended by the European Council until December 2010. The EU NAVFOR Operation Atalanta will pursue the following objectives:

• The protection of World Food Programme (WFP) vessels delivering food aid to displaced persons in Somalia.
• The protection of vulnerable vessels sailing in the Gulf of Aden and off the Somali coast.
• Employ the necessary measures, including the use of force, to deter, prevent and intervene in order to bring to an end acts of piracy and armed robbery which may be committed in the areas where they are present.

The EU NAVFOR Operation Atalanta consists of units from Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and Sweden. Contributions from third countries such as Norway are participating as well. Also, a number of Cypriot, Irish, Maltese and Finnish military personnel supplement the team at the Northwood Operation Headquarters.

Photo: EU NAVFOR warship BRANDENBURG.