Update on Dutch activities againts piracy

As Chasdb pointed out in response to Galrahn's post about the MV Rim. The vessel has been abandoned by it's crew, who are now aboard the Johan de Witt. As of yet there are still no reports about it in the Dutch news or from the Dutch MoD.

Soft power is in the little things:

The visiting Dutch naval ship, HNLMS Johan de Witt, today handed over goods seized from pirates to the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF).

The naval ship which has docked at Dar es Salaam port impounded the goods which included 50 barrels or 10,000 litres of diesel, four barrels or 800 litres of gasoline fuel, 200 litres of assorted motor oils, 1000 kilogrammes of charcoal and a number of batteries among others.

That should be a nice starting point for further cooperation, tackling the piracy problem in the region.

The 10 pirates who where caught by HNLMS Tromp during the freeing of MV Taipan can be extradited to Germany, a Dutch judge has ruled. There is no possibility for appeal. The men will be brought to Germany before June 14.

The (Dutch) prosecutioner has demanded a sentence of 10 years of jail time for the 5 pirates that attacked a Netherlands Antilles flagged vessel and were caught by the Danish navy on January 2. That was in 2009, so they sure took their sweet time for the trial to start.

The 5 men changed their story during the trial. When they were caught they admitted wanting to hijack a ship, but in court they claimed approaching the MV Semanyolu because their engine broke down and they were out of food and water.

In Dutch law the 'intent' to hijack a ship is enough to be convicted. Sentencing will be June 16.

Anyone who wants to try that new tactic HNLMS Johan de Witt is doing with its LCVP's and LCU's?

The Dutch are selling two of their old LCPV's. Inspection of both vessels can be done on tuesday 8 June in Den Helder. The vessels can only be bought through online auction. A warning for those interested: you'll have to brush op on your Dutch though, since the site is only in Dutch.

And beware, no warranties or money back.