Two Somali pirates killed by Dutch marines
Published on 4 April 2011 - 9:47am

Two Somali pirates were killed in an operation by the Dutch frigate HNLMS Tromp on Saturday morning.

The Tromp took action to liberate an Iranian fishing vessel which had been hijacked by pirates. Dutch marines in inflatable boats came under fire when they approached the vessel and subsequently returned fire.

Ten of the pirates tried to flee in a fast motor boat when the marines made a second approach but gave up when the marines fired a number of warning shots. Another six pirates were apprehended aboard the fishing vessel, while two pirates had apparently been killed in the exchange of fire with the marines.

The Somali pirates, some of whom were injured, are being held on the frigate. The defence ministry reports that shortly after the liberation of the Iranian vessel, a hijacked merchant vessel ship approached the HNMLS Tromp, apparently with the intention of hijacking the Iranian fishing vessel, but it turned around after the frigate fired several warning shots.

The HNLMS Tromp left the Netherlands on 7 February to take part in the NATO anti-piracy operation Ocean Shield in the Gulf of Aden.

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Dutch Marines approach suspected pirate vessel while crew stands on deck with their hands on their heads. (Photo Ducth Ministry of Defence)

Dead pirates buried at sea
Published on 4 April 2011 - 2:22pm

The bodies of the two Somali pirates who were probably killed in a firefight with marines from the HNLMS Tromp have been buried at sea. The frigate’s captain took the decision after in consultation with the defence ministry in The Hague.

A spokesperson for the defence ministry said that the decision was motivated by a number of factors, including the high temperatures in the region and the possibility to return the bodies to next of kin. The bodies of the two Somalis were examined before being buried at sea.

On Saturday morning, the Tromp took action to liberate an Iranian fishing vessel which had been hijacked by pirates. Dutch marines in inflatable boats came under fire when they approached the vessel and subsequently returned fire.

Ten of the pirates tried to flee in a fast motor boat when the marines made a second approach but gave up when the marines fired a number of warning shots. Another six pirates were apprehended aboard the fishing vessel, while two pirates had apparently been killed in the exchange of fire with the marines.

The Somali pirates, some of whom were injured, are being held on the frigate. The defence ministry reports that shortly after the liberation of the Iranian vessel, a hijacked merchant vessel ship approached the HNMLS Tromp, apparently with the intention of hijacking the Iranian fishing vessel. The hijacked merchant vessel turned around, however, after the Dutch frigate fired several warning shots.

The HNLMS Tromp left the Netherlands on 7 February to take part in the NATO anti-piracy operation Ocean Shield in the Gulf of Aden.

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HNLS Tromp


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Dutch Marines in RHIBs approach pirate skiff. (Photo Ducth Ministry of Defence)


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Dutch Marines in RHIBs approach pirated Iranian fishing dhow. (Photo Ducth Ministry of Defence)