Seychelles Coast Guard rescues piracy hostages

Seychelles President James Michel, who is the Commander in Chief of the armed forces, has sent a message of congratulations to the officers of the Seychelles Coast Guard, the SCG airwing, and the Taza

Seychelles President James Michel, who is the Commander in Chief of the armed forces, has sent a message of congratulations to the officers of the Seychelles Coast Guard, the SCG airwing, and the Tazar unit for their successful rescue operation on Saturday.

“We are very proud of you and your bravery in rescuing the 7 Seychellois fishermen from the hands of Somali pirates. It was a targeted operation, and once again you have proved your skill and capability to defend the nation and fight against the piracy scourge,” said President Michel.

“We rejoice with the families of the 7 fishermen in their freedom and thank the Seychelles Coast Guard and the Tazar unit for liberating them. We all look forward to their safe return to Mahรฉ,” President Michel continued.

The piracy incident took place on Friday in the Seychelles exclusive economic zone. The vessel “Faith,” a 33-foot fishing vessel, was hijacked by Somali pirates and was detected approximately 240 nautical miles north of Mahรฉ by three surveillance planes.

The Seychelles People’s Defense Forces maritime surveillance aircraft, in a joint operation with the EUNAVFOR Luxembourg maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, as well as the French E3F aircraft, detected the boat and the presence of pirates onboard.

The Somali pirates had taken hostage of 7 Seychellois crew members who had been fishing for sea cucumbers in the area.

The pirates headed northwest towards Somalia, and the Seychelles Coast Guard intercepted the boat halfway between Somalia and Seychelles. The hostages were rescued and the pirates were arrested.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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