Chrystal-Arctic

After six Somali pirates were apprehended by soldiers of the European force engaged in operation ATALANTE, they will be judged by Seychellois justice. Five were placed in pre-trial detention on the evening of May 15. The sixth, aged 20, was transported by helicopter to the hospital center. All were arrested on May 10 while trying to board the 'Chrystal Arctic.'. Their goal was to hijack the ship to demand a ransom. Report with photo: https://la1ere.francetvinfo.fr/reunion/seychelles-six-pirates-interpelles-par-les-forces-de-l-ue-de-lors-de-l-attaque-d-un-petrolier-1488620.html

After the approach of a skiff on the 'Chrystal Arctic', a frigate operating with EUNAVFOR, responded to the report issued by the tanker that it was under attack, and apprehended the six suspected pirates on board the skiff. The frigate secured the pirates physical integrity due to the unsafe condition of their skiff and treated some of them with injuries of varied severity. The ATALANTA forces are gathering evidence and conducting an investigation into the incident in order for a proper assessment of the situation. According to EUNAVFOR, there could be two or more pirate action groups (PAGs) operating off the wider Somalia coastline, which includes the semi-autonomous Puntland region. Photos: https://twitter.com/EUNAVFOR/status/1789642649714012315

The 'Chrystal Arctic', heading west from Vadinar to Ain Sukhna on the morning of May 10, 2024, was approached by a small boat with six people on board about 100 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia. The people on board were armed, and a ladder was spotted in the boat. Armed guards on board the tanker fired warning shots that were answered by the pirates. After the exchange of fire, the tanker changed course, while the boat with pirates abandoned the pursuit. A frigate from EUNAVFOR Operation Atalanta was nearby in the meantime and took the pirates into custody and treated several of them for more or less serious injuries. However, it was unclear whether the injuries were from the exchange of fire.