In the early hours before dawn, a merchant ship in the Gulf of Aden sent out a mayday to surrounding ships. She was under attack from pirate boats, so-called skiffs, and said she was under fire.
HMS Malmö was in the vicinity and was given the order to intercept. On arriving at the scene, HMS Malmö fired warning shots towards the two skiffs, in accordance with the set procedure, and also fired flares to see and document the ongoing pirate attack.
Attempted to flee
Both skiffs try to flee and HMS Malmö took up the pursuit of one of them. An object appeared to be thrown overboard from the skiff. After about 20 minutes pursuit, the suspected pirates surrendered. The security force then boarded the skiff.
The seven suspected pirates were handcuffed and brought on board the corvette while the security force searched the skiff and documented its contents. Items were seized for the purposes of evidence in the event of legal proceedings. The head of the Swedish force, Commander Magnus Jönsson, resolved that the seven suspects should be held in custody.
Awaiting further orders
ME01 command is now awaiting further orders from EUNAVFOR supreme command on dealing with the suspected pirates. The EU has an agreement with Kenya on handing over suspected pirates for legal proceedings.
None of the Swedish crew suffered physical injury in the incident.