France finds success with 11 pirates captured

The French frigate Nivose (file photo)

In a demonstration of superb tactical execution, France found what seems to be another rare case of success in the battle against piracy yesterday. While thwarting an attack in progress on the Liberian flagged cargo ship Safmarine Asia, the french frigate Nivose decided to follow the pirates that initiated the attack back to a “mother ship” where they were able to arrest 11 pirates, one of the largest interdictions in quite some time.  The mother ship reportedly had a large quantity of fuel on board to re-fuel smaller boats used by the pirates.  Had the Nivose arrested the pirates when the initial attack occurred, they would have probably only arrested 4 pirates, and would not have yielded the desired impact on the greater supply and support network for the Somali pirates that the seizure of the mother ship brought.

This case clearly shows that a small amount of tactical creativity can provide positive results in the Somali piracy front.  The French have been one of the most successful naval forces in combating piracy in the region.  They have made several successful armed raids to recapture the French yacht Le Ponant and private sailboat Tanit.

The French have also been heavily involved in the EU anti-piracy mission.  Do the French have the solution to the piracy problem?  Its not likely that they alone will solve the problem, but they are certainly leading the way in creative and decisive action in dealing with pirates.

France 24 article on hunting pirates – Great video documenting the process of searching for pirates.