Denmark ejects suspected pirates on raft

A Danish warship has ejected three suspected pirates off the coast of West Africa who were detained on the ship for over 5 weeks.

The ship carrying containers was attacked by the pirates on November 24, and after an exchange of fire – in the Gulf of Guinea – the pirates were captured.

As the Danish military failed to find a country willing to take in the pirates. It then came to a decision to eject the pirates in a raft with enough food and drinking water until they reach – the shore – Nigeria.

At least four pirates were killed in the shootout, with one falling overboard. The Danish Navy ended up detaining the remaining four, out of which three have now been released.

The fourth had his leg amputated in Ghana and he is now set for Denmark to face trial. Due to his condition, the Danish authorities felt it unwise to leave him out at sea.

Charges of attempted manslaughter have been dropped against the other three. The Danish Navy said that the alleged pirates fired first.

The pirates however, deny that claim.

The Gulf of Guinea – being a vital trade route for oil and gas – is infamous for piracy. Africans are known to take out their AK-47s on small boats and attack cargo ships.

The Danish Navy is in the area to protect international shipments. Other Naval powers also operate in the waters. With growing instability in African countries, Naval powers have increased their presence in the region to avert major hijackings and heists.