Trained Pakistani men 'guiding' pirates off Somalia coast

Authorities have confirmed the first case of alleged Pakistani involvement with Somali pirates in a revelation that has raised concerns here about a possible link between piracy and suspected terrorist groups. On April 28, a Russian warship apprehended 12 Pak nationals — along with Somali pirates — for attempting to attack a tanker off Somalia’s coast.

An investigation, sources said, pointed to Pak nationals having played a 'lead' role. Their nationality was confirmed through identity cards and “evidence” was handed over on May 8 to MSS Rehmat, a Pakistan Maritime Security Agency ship, 12 miles of Gwadar.

Pak first claimed that these men were fishermen but three months on, there is no word on the probe.

The incident occurred when Russian warship Admiral Panteleyev received a distress call 120 km east of Somalia’s coast from a tanker Bulwai Bank, registered in Antigua, en route to Singapore. The tanker was under attack from Somali pirates. Russian commandos intervened and foiled the attempt. They found that the pirates’ speedboats were being guided from another mother vessel. Tracking its coordinates, the Russians apprehended this vessel 10 miles off the coast.

This was a captured Iranian trawler. Its captain was Mohammed Zamal, a Pak national, who was communicating with the pirates via a satphone he threw overboard when Russians boarded the vessel.

There were 29 people on board of whom 12 were Pakistanis, including the captain; 11 were Somalis while six were Iranians taken hostage.

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Live Piracy Report
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Incident Details: View
30.08.2009: 1055 UTC: Posn: 01:09.1N – 103:36.9E, Nippa anchorage, Singapore Straits.

Five robbers armed with two machine guns in a boat attempted to board a bulk carrier at anchor. The robbers used hooks attached with ropes to board the ship but were noticed by duty crew who raised the alarm. Robbers aborted the attempt upon seeing the crew alertness and fled in a NE’ly direction. VTIS Singapore and ships in the vicinity informed.

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27.08.2009: 0500 LT: No.5 berth, Apapa port, Lagos, Nigeria.

Four robbers boarded a chemical tanker at berth and threatened the duty watchman with gun. The robbers stole ships properties and escaped by boat. The local authorities informed. No one injured.

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26.08.2009: 0130 LT: Moin anchorage, Costa Rica.

Two robbers boarded a container ship by using hooks. Duty watchman alerted the master and crew. On noticing the crew, robbers jumped overboard and escaped without stealing anything. Local authorities informed.

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26.08.2009: 0829 UTC: Posn: 13:08N – 048:45E: Gulf of Aden.

Armed pirates in a skiff chased and fired upon a general cargo ship underway. Alarm raised, crew mustered, evasive manoeuvres made and distress signal sent on VHF Ch. 16. A warship and a military helicopter arrived at location to render assistance. Ship continued passage to destination port.

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24.08.2009: 0515 lt: Posn: 17:02.5N – 082:23.6E: Kakinada, India.

Six robbers on a fishing boat approached a chemical tanker at anchor. Two of the robbers tried to board the vessel from starboard side midships using hooks. The duty officer raised alarm, sounded the foghorn and reported to the port control. The crew all mustered and the robbers aborted their attempt.

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