Seychelles Charges Six Somali Pirates
Six Somali nationals have been charged in the Republic of Seychelles for attempting and committing acts of piracy in the Indian Ocean, the Seychellois Attorney General announced on December 18.
The suspected pirates were apprehended in November by EU antipiracy forces following alleged attacks on containership MV Ever Dynamic and fishing vessel Galerna III in the Southern Somali Basin, an area known for piracy. The six now face legal prosecution before the court and could each receive up to 30 years in a Seychelles detention facility if convicted.
During the incidents, which reportedly took place over a 24 hour period on November 17 and 18, it was alleged that the Somalis fired rocket propelled grenades against the containership, although no damage or injuries were reported.
The suspected pirates were apprehended by the Italian Marines from ITS Virginio Fasan after their vessels were located by Fasan’s helicopter crew, following initial searches by the Spanish Maritime Patrol Aircraft.