Royal Navy battleship gives tips to TPDF in piracy

HMS Sutherland�s Middle East tasking is under the command of Combined Maritime Forces conducting counter-piracy, counter narcotics and counter terrorism patrols to ensure the safe passage of legitimate seafarers in the region has docked at Dar es Salaam since Thursday on a goodwill visit. (Photo: Selemani Mpochi)

The Britain Royal Navy-HMS Sutherland has arrived at the Dar es Salaam harbour for a three day visit. 

The fully equipped military ship is expected to offer training and experience to the local navy units on conducting counter-piracy, counter narcotics and counter terrorism patrols in international waters of the East African region.

HMS Sutherland Commanding Officer Al Wilson told reporters yesterday that since its arrival in the Middle East late July, it has been working under the command of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) to help the region ensure safe passage of legitimate seafarers.

As part of its mission, the commander said, the ship has maintained and engaged in a number of challenging training evolutions that include fast roping, drills from Sutherland’s embarked Merlin helicopters, medium and small caliber weapon shooting and other combined exercises.

“When it comes to combating piracy, terrorism or illegal activities no single nation could possibly have enough ships or aircrafts to cover the entire area…this is a problem that requires broader intervention,” he said.

Lt Col Abel Gwanafyo, an officer with the Tanzanian Navy Forces underlined the forces’ readiness in taking on any threat along Tanzanian territorial waters and its economic exclusive zone of the Indian Ocean.

He said despite the historical problem of piracy in the Indian Ocean, the government in cooperation with other partners has succeeded in reducing piracy threats in the region.
The officer noted however that Tanzanian navy forces have continued to engage in extra training from highly experienced naval forces in the world.

Reports say currently there are physical preventive measures installed to watch ships crossing the Indian Ocean, thus leading to maximum safety in the area.
Piracy has been costing the international economy between £4 billion and £7billion a year and last year more than 1000 suspected pirates were arrested and prosecuted.