EU NAVFOR Press Release – 7 November 2012

European Union Naval Force Commander reminds yacht and leisure craft owners that Piracy is still a clear and present danger in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.

Rear Admiral Potts, who is the operation commander of the European Union’s counter-piracy mission (EU NAVFOR) off the coast of Somalia today, reminded the yachting and leisure craft community that whilst pirate attacks have reduced off the Horn of Africa over the past year, the threat of piracy remains and owners should continue to avoid transiting the High-Risk Area – the southern Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and the Western part of the Indian Ocean.

“We are currently witnessing a tactical, yet wholly reversible success in the reduction of pirate attacks off the Horn of Africa and we very much welcome the shipping community’s efforts to protect merchant ships transiting the area with the implementation of self-protection measures to deter attacks.  Counter-piracy forces also continue to maintain pressure on Somali pirates by disrupting their activities at sea.  That said, it cannot be stressed enough the significant danger that pleasure craft owners will put themselves in if they choose to transit the high-risk sea area where pirates are known to operate.”

About 12 yachts have been attacked, with their crews captured or killed by pirates in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean in the past few years.  Nearly every recorded attack on a yacht has led to the crew being taken hostage and moved to Somalia, with extreme violence and mock executions being the norm.  On average, maritime hostages have been held for over 7 months, however, some are held for much longer, with huge ransoms being demanded release.

The message to the leisure craft industry from EU NAVFOR is clear – do not transit the High-Risk Area.