Galata Seaways: The knife attack, the attempted hijacking
Naples was the scene of an incident that highlighted the effectiveness of the Italian special forces in handling emergency situations. The Turkish cargo ship Galata Seaways was the target of an attempted hijacking by 15 undocumented migrants while it was near the Gulf of Naples. Thanks to the timely intervention of the San Marco Brigade, the crew was freed, and the hijackers were captured.
The alarm was raised yesterday at 3 p.m. when the General Command of the Port Authority received a piracy alert concerning the Galata Seaways, which was located 90 nautical miles south of Naples. The ship’s crew was forced to hide due to a group of individuals armed with knives who were attempting to take control of the vessel. The captain raised the alarm, and a distress call was sent to Italy for help.
Defense Minister Guido Crosetto announced the operation live during an event in Manduria, Puglia, explaining that the Italian special forces stationed in Brindisi were intervening to free the Turkish ship with its 22 crew members. Meanwhile, an HH101 helicopter from the Comsub raiders took off from La Spezia, while an Nh90 helicopter departed from Puglia. The ship was surrounded by two other vessels, the Gregoretti and the Montecimone.
The 15 undocumented migrants had hidden aboard the Turkish cargo ship by concealing themselves inside a truck at the port of Topcular. When the crew discovered their presence, they alerted the captain, triggering the migrants’ reaction as they threatened the crew with knives. According to initial investigations, the migrants were headed to France.
The liberation operation required six hours of intense activity. The ship was escorted to the port of Naples at 7 p.m., under the watchful eye of the French Sar Center. The military forces blocked the attackers, some of whom had barricaded themselves in the control room, while others were hiding among the cargo. The police then stormed the ship and found the remaining hidden migrants, including two pregnant women.
The intervention of the San Marco Brigade followed a specific protocol for anti-piracy operations, in line with engagement rules that involved apprehending the criminals. Since the pirates were armed only with knives, the special forces proceeded to immobilize and neutralize the attackers.
During the clearing operation, every corner of the ship was meticulously checked. The military conducted a room-by-room search, armed with rifles and infrared goggles. This phase is of utmost importance to ensure the crew’s safety and ensure there are no other hidden threats on board. Once the clearing was completed, the operation concluded successfully.
Now the case will be handed over to the judicial authorities, who will initiate investigations to shed light on the incident. Deputy Prosecutor Enrica Parascandolo of Naples is coordinating the investigations and will determine the exact area where the attempted hijacking took place. This will be crucial in determining the territorial jurisdiction for the investigators.
The Galata Seaways is a cargo ship built in 2010, sailing under the flag of Turkey. Its destination was Sete, near Montpellier, France, but its journey was interrupted by the action of the undocumented migrants.
The successful liberation operation of the Turkish cargo ship Galata Seaways by the Italian special forces demonstrates their readiness and professionalism in dealing with emergency situations. Thanks to their timely intervention and the collaboration between law enforcement and maritime authorities, the ship’s crew returned safely, and those responsible for the hijacking attempt were captured.
This episode highlights the complexity and challenges associated with managing migrant flows and maritime security.
The operation to liberate the Turkish cargo ship seized by migrants is an example of coordination and competence by the Italian special forces. Thanks to their intervention, the crew returned unharmed, and the perpetrators of the criminal action were apprehended. It is now the responsibility of the judicial authorities to shed light on the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. The incident emphasizes the importance of addressing the complexities of migrant flows and maritime security through collaborative efforts between various agencies and authorities.
The successful operation serves as a testament to the capabilities and effectiveness of the Italian special forces in handling such high-stakes situations. It also underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and preparedness to ensure the safety and security of maritime activities.
As investigations proceed, it is expected that further details will emerge regarding the motives and background of the individuals involved in the attempted hijacking. The legal proceedings will be crucial in determining the appropriate legal actions to be taken and in addressing any underlying issues related to illegal migration and criminal activities.
The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by countries in managing migration flows and maintaining maritime security. It highlights the importance of international cooperation and comprehensive strategies to address these issues effectively.
The successful resolution of the attempted hijacking incident demonstrates the capability and dedication of the Italian special forces and reinforces the commitment to safeguarding maritime activities and protecting the lives of crew members and passengers.
