HMCS Winnipeg credited with thwarting pirates

The Canadian frigate HMCS Winnipeg and her embarked helicopter probably deterred a Somali pirate attack against the Maltese cargo ship MV Sea Pride on 17 May 2009. Winnipeg is part of Standing NATO Maritime Group 1, which is conducting the counter-piracy mission Operation ALLIED PROTECTOR in the Gulf of Aden.

Commander Chris Davies, Chief Public Affairs officer at MCC Northwood, said, “This is a good example of NATO’s commitment to fight against the modern-day cancer of piracy, ensuring shipping lanes are safe for mariners to go about their lawful business.”

Around noon local time, Winnipeg responded to distress calls from Sea Pride by dispatching her helicopter Palomino16 to the scene. The suspected pirates broke off their approach and, ignoring warning shots, attempted to flee southward to the Somali coast. Winnipeg was able to close their position, stop, and board the two skiffs in turn.

A search of both skiffs revealed numerous knives, two cell phones, a GPS unit and 52 containers of gasoline, but no firearms. Items that were of potential use in future pirate activity were confiscated.

Actions indicated that the skiffs’ occupants were probably about to engage in an act of piracy. As the attack had not occurred yet, and there was insufficient proof for a successful prosecution on the incident, the individuals involved were released when the search of their vessels was complete.