Frigate "Regele Ferdinand" in cooperation with Turkish frigate "Gemlik", arrested nine suspected Somali pirates off the coast of Somalia, Wednesday, 21 November.

The Swedish Maritime Patrol Aircraft located the suspicious skiff at sea 420 nautical miles east of Mogadishu The commander of EU NAVFOR urgently sent the two frigates to inspect the area.

The excellent cooperation between the Romanian and Turkish seamen resulted in capturing nine piracy suspects who were detained and taken aboard frigate "Regele Ferdinand", for investigations whereas the skiff was destroyed to prevent its use in piracy acts.

Talking of this mission success, Operation Commander of the EU Naval Force, declared: "I am delighted that through the combined efforts of counter- piracy forces in the region, once again, suspect pirates, who ventured out to sea in an attempt to hijack merchant ships and their crews in the Indian Ocean, have quickly been found and their vessel destroyed".

"As I said in October, we knew, as the monsoon period ended that pirates would try their luck at sea and this is why we have constantly warned against complacency."

"Once again, my message to the pirates is clear - we are watching you and we plan to capture you if you put to sea. Equally, this is an indication that pirates still intend to get out to sea and all involved in countering piracy, whether they are the military or industry must remain vigilant and prepared."

MoND Press Office