The APL Finland is menaced in the Gulf of Aden by a suspicious approach. The Master of MV Apl Finland raised the alert by bridge-to-bridge communication to alert other ships of the suspicious vessel.(Press release CMF015-10, 02/22/10)
CTF 151 Turkish warship Gemlik received the warning and closed in to investigate the suspicious skiff.
Seven suspected pirates, one ladder and fuel barrels were observed on board the skiff which was equipped with two outboard motors. During the chase by TCS Gemlik, it was observed that the suspected pirates were throwing items overboard, including a ladder. After a series of maneuvers and warnings the skiff came to a halt and the vessel was boarded by a team from Gemlik.
Although no piracy-related material was found on board the skiff, the quick action by Gemlik prevented an attack from occurring. Twenty three fuel barrels were found on board. One of the two outboard motors was dismantled. The skiff was subsequently released and instructed to head back to the Somali Coast.
APL Finland is a 320 m long cargo ship. Registration and ownership not disclosed. (vesseltracker.com)