Somali pirates release hijacked tanker

Written by Nick Blenkey
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EU Naval Forces report Aris 13 is now en route to a safe port

MARCH 16, 2017 —Somali pirates who hijacked the Cormoros-flagged tanker Aris 13 have released the vessel.

The NGO Oceans Beyond Piracy says the release was “due to the efforts of the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF)” and that “the entire crew is reported unharmed.”

Oceans Beyond Piracy reports:

“In the morning of March 16th the PMPF engaged in a firefight with the pirates who were in the midst of resupplying themselves aboard the MT ARIS 13. The PMPF, with the help of local Somali authorities and clan elders in the Xabo region, resolved the situation and the crew of the MT ARIS 13 were released. This operation marks a success in the maritime policing of Somali waters by local law enforcement.

“The Puntland Maritime Police Force was formed in 2010 and was deployed against pirates for the first time in 2012. The PMPF has had several successes, including the release of the MV Iceberg 1, the dramatic cliff top rescue of the fishing vessel the al- Amal, and the recent operation against ISIL militants in the town of Qandala.”

EU Navfor said:

“The EU Naval Force (Somalia) can confirm that fuel tanker Aris 13 and her crew are now en route to a safe port on the north coast of Somalia after armed pirates, who had been holding the crew since Monday 13 March 2017, departed the ship. The master confirmed that his crew had suffered no injuries during their 4-day ordeal.

“It is understood that members of the Puntland Maritime Police Force assisted with the ship’s release and are currently on board.

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