Navy thwarts pirate attack on Maltese-flagged ship
Indian navy commandos have warded off a pirate attack on the Maltese-registered bulk carrier Melina 1 off the Indian coast, the navy has confirmed.
The attack took place over the weekend about 370 kmwest of India's Lakshwadeep islands.
"The attack had all the hallmarks of Somali pirates -- three mother ships and two skiffs were used.
The navy despatched elite marine commandos, a coastguard vessel and an attack helicopter when it received a distress call from the vessel.
The Greek-owned ship was escorted to safety as the pirates fled.
6 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
Denis Catania
Mar 10th 2010, 16:40
t farrugia: America does have oil and plenty of it. But I only would want Americans to protect American ships. My sons life should not be put in danger for anyone except Americans.
lgalea
Mar 10th 2010, 15:26
t farrugia You are perfectly correct.
1982 Law of the Sea Convention
Article 105
Seizure of a pirate ship or aircraft
On the high seas, or in any other place outside the jurisdiction of any State, every State may seize a pirate ship or aircraft, or a ship or aircraft taken by piracy and under the control of pirates, and arrest the persons and seize the property on board. The courts of the State which carried out the seizure may decide upon the penalties to be imposed, and may also determine the action to be taken with regard to the ships, aircraft or property, subject to the rights of third parties acting in good faith.
Ian Borg
Mar 10th 2010, 13:52
Eradicating piracy is easier said then done. Firstly, the area is so huge that it is impossible to patrol completely. Secondly, piracy is a direct result of poverty and political mayhem. Eradicating piracy in somalia would also imply attacking a growing presence of Al-Qaeda and other extreme islamist groups, and establishing a functioning government. Does the international community need an afghanistan all over again at the moment? I don't think so. Its not really about oil no matter how precious it may be, but a question of resources and strategy.
t farrugia
Mar 10th 2010, 11:04
@ Francis Bellizzi - true. that area has been without a real government for so long. maybe time for foreign militaries to sweep the area for pirates as their government will not do anything. if they had oil the american govt. would intervene. people keep paying ransoms to these pirates making them much stronger. these pirates should be attacked at their base.
Francis Bellizzi
Mar 10th 2010, 10:36
@ t. Farrugia. Don`t forget the pirates have human rights too! I am being sarcastic.
The trouble is every government turns a blind eye to proceedings around that area. Otherwise they would be wiped out.
t farrugia
Mar 10th 2010, 09:20
prosit to the indian navy, but it is a good idea to start attacking these pirate ships to put them out of business. the only way to stop piracy is to eradicate them!!!!