Suspected pirates released by EU NAVFOR

Following the detention of the skiff and suspected pirates by the EU NAVFOR German warship Brandenburg on 7 Sep 2009, when the skiff refused to obey the command to stop, the four individuals involved in the incident have now been released, on order of the EU NAVFOR Force Commander, and left the warship en route to Somalia.

All their pirate equipment (including weapons) has been confiscated and will be destroyed. The body of the suspected pirate who was wounded (and later died of his wounds) remains onboard the warship Brandenburg until arrangements to repatriate him are in place. Local authorities in Somalia and the International Committee for the Red Cross are being consulted.