Frigate wards off attack on Maltese-flagged ship

Galea. L

Oct 20th 2009, 08:49

Pirates are known as hostis humanis generis, the enemies of mankind, and according to the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention all Navy ships have a right to pursue and capture them and deal with them according to their own laws as has always been the case. It seems that they are being let off very lightly when they are not captured and dealt with severely to serve as a deterrent to other pirates or further piracy actions. Perhaps the powers that be are simply looking forward to cooperating or have already cooperated with them in other covert actions in the interests of the powers?

George Pisani

Oct 20th 2009, 01:06

Ah, a NATO warship, protection a Maltese flagged ship, nice.
Question,
is this the same ship that a few Maltese protested against its entering in the Grand Harbor a few weeks ago?

Mario Fenech

Oct 19th 2009, 22:03

There should have been no warning shots. The pirates should have been blown out of the water.

L Debono

Oct 19th 2009, 21:59

Mr. Vella, please don't criticize the actions of the German Navy. At this point the mission guide lines are set so various navies will provide protection to merchant shipping against piracy. This is not an offensive mission. The two matters that you mentioned are totally unrelated matters. Op Frontex and the current activities against piracy in East Africa are completely different.

Trust me, if the call came to destroy the enemy, the Augsburg could have pulverized the offending craft in a very short time. Fortunately decisions in a combat theater are more often than not taken by very responsible officers. I’ve been there and I totally respect that.

jimmy Vella

Oct 19th 2009, 21:41

The frigate's helicopter keeping a close watch overhead.
This is similar to Frontex operation in the Med, making sure they make to the nearest safe port so they can refresh themselves and attach another day .Brilliant !!!