2006 Press Releases
Capture of Suspected Somali Pirates
February 2, 2006
The United States thanks the Kenyan authorities for their efforts as part of an international operation to bring safety and security to the high seas.
On January 20, the U.S. Navy received a report of pirates operating approximately 200 miles from the Somali coast. The guided-missile destroyer U.S.S. Winston S. Churchill responded and found an Indian-flagged dhow, the MSV Safina Al Bisarat (SAB) which fit the description in the report. The SAB was towing three smaller boats. Following repeated attempts to establish communications with the SAB, the Churchill took chase and ultimately stopped the SAB on January 21 using warning shots. The SAB then agreed to surrender. We note that no one was injured in the U.S. Navy's actions.
Ten suspected Somali pirates and 16 Indian crewmen who had been held captive by the Somalis were found on board the SAB. These persons were later transferred to the U.S.S. Nassau, shown in the photo attached.
On January 28, the United States brought the 16 Indian nationals to Mombasa and turned them over to Kenyan authorities and the Indian consulate. Kenyan authorities questioned them regarding the hijacking of their vessel.
After the United States received a diplomatic note from the Kenyan authorities confirming they would accept and hold the Somalis pending final determination regarding jurisdiction, the 10 Somalis were brought from the U.S.S. Nassau and turned over to Kenyan police in Mombasa on January 29. They are currently scheduled to appear before the magistrate in Mombasa on February 3.
The U.S. is gratified by the speed and enthusiasm of Kenyan government agencies to ensure the smooth success of this operation. It stands as a fine example of how international cooperation can lead to safety and security for international shipping, trade, commerce and tourism. As piracy has proven to be an increasing problem in the region, negatively impacting commerce and tourism in Kenya, the U.S. renews its commitment to work with Kenya and other affected nations to deter - and failing that, to interdict and prosecute -- future incidents on the high seas.