The Friday, January 25, 2013, the frigate Surcouf has transferred 12 suspected pirates in Djibouti as part of Operation Atalanta against piracy. January 6, 2013 intercepted by Surcouf with the support of the USS Halyburton and a German maritime patrol aircraft, they are suspected of being the perpetrators of the attack on merchant ship MV Jasmine.
After 20 days of retention on board, 12 suspected pirates were flown to the island of Mauritius, where they will be brought before the local judicial authorities in order to be judged. Accompanied by a legal expert staff of Operation Atalanta, a Mauritian police officer went aboard Surcouf for administrative formalities and collect the evidence package consists of exhibits, testimony and records collected by the French frigate. At the foot of the gangway, a support team of Atalanta Djibouti and Djibouti Coast Guard took over the marine Surcouf for the transfer of the 12 suspected pirates to the airport.
The transfer between the European Union and Mauritius is a first. It follows the framework agreement signed in July 2011, enabling Mauritius to take care of suspected pirate for prosecution and detention.
"Mauritius is a key partner in the fight against piracy in the Indian Ocean and today we send a clear message to pirates EUNAVFOR and Mauritius are determined and resolved to prosecute suspected pirates, "commented Bob Tarrant cons-Admiral, Commander Operation Atalanta after the transfer.
Light Stealth Frigate Surcouf is engaged since December 3, 2012 in the European operation against piracy off the Indian Ocean. Operation Atalanta contribute to the deterrence, prevention and repression of acts of piracy off the Somali coast.
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