On the 5th April, A PVI security team prevented an attack on the ‘Pacific Opal’. During the exchange PVI recorded video evidence of the incident and 24 hours after the Pirate Action Group (PAG) left the area, a PAG matching the same description was intercepted and arrested of suspected piracy by the Finnish warship Pohjanmaa, part of the EUNAVFOR.
On the 7th April, the Pacific Opal received a direct request for assistance from MSCHOA ‘to establish whether there is sufficient evidence to link the pirates captured by the Finnish warship Pohjanmaa on 6th April to the attack to the Pacific Opal on the 5 April 2011.’ PVI plans to submit statements, hand over the video evidence and, given appropriate anonymity, be prepared to appear in court to testify in any subsequent court case.
Dom Mee, the founder and Operations Director from Protection Vessels International said: “Here is an excellent example of a private security company working in close cooperation with EUNAVFOR. PVI is very happy to provide witness statements and court appearances if necessary in order to assist due process in the prosecution of piracy. That a PVI team deterred an attack, with no loss of life or of the vessel and managed to obtain video evidence is proof of the high calibre of individual that we employ. Once again PVI’s tried and tested tactics of the minimal use of force, safe guarded its master, crew, the vessel and its contents. This incident and subsequent after action, clearly demonstrates the professionalism with which PVI continues to deliver its service.”
“PVI operates in a challenging environment, providing a high quality response to a clear and present threat to global trade. It stands ready to assist all state actors in the successful prosecution of pirates.”