Denmark Rescues More Pakistanis From Somali Pirates

Online, January 12, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Nine Pakistani sailors together with five Iranian have been rescued by the Danish Navy Vessel ABSALON off the coast of Somalia. The Danish Navy Vessel, which is participating in NATO's anti-piracy Operation Ocean Shield took control of the hijacked Iranian fishing vessel TAHARI after following the ship overnight and conducting helicopter surveillance.

ABSALON had recieved information from the Navy Operational Command, who had reported the suspected pirate ship. After use of warning shots and tear gas, the vessel was quickly brought to a halt and the Navy Maritime Action Team took control of the ship. Subsequently, it was found that the TAHARI's original crew of nine Pakistanis and five Iranian nationals were on board and had been held hostage by 25 suspected pirates since November 2011.

" We are extremely glad to know that innocent people have been liberated. One cannot even imagine what ordeal these innocent sailors must have been through while trying to do their best to earn a living", said the Danish Ambassador to Pakistan, Mr. Uffe Wolffhechel. He further added that in the past year, the Somali pirates have been responsible for numerous kidnapping cases of official crew members from companies around the world, including several Pakistani nationals. "Their criminal activities have become of high concern among the international community and requires for concerted, global action against piracy on the high seas", said the ambassador.

The crew of the Danish Navy Vessel, ABSALON has since the action been on board on TAHARI and inform that the ship is in good condition. It is expected that the 14 rescued crew members will return to Iran with TAHARI.

The vessel was hijacked between 7 and 10 November 2011. Nobody was injured during the operation. It appears that the hostages have been subjected to rough treatment by the pirates but, bearing in mind the circumstances, all are now in good shape.

In April 2011, another Danish Navy vessel, "Esbern Snare" rescued 16 Pakistanis, who had been kept hostage by Somali pirates for several months, before they were rescued.