What Crew Members Say About Draco

On March 28, 2011, the commercial fishing vessel 'Draco' (IMO 9335226) successfully thwarted a pirate assault while tuna fishing approximately 195 nautical miles off the Tanzanian coast. The vessel, equipped with private security personnel, faced a formidable threat from seven pirates attempting to hijack them. Demonstrating quick thinking, the captain opted to chase after the pirates, which ultimately facilitated their apprehension by the Spanish frigate 'Canarias.' As a skiff laden with pirates approached within 800 meters, security officers onboard the 'Draco' took decisive action by firing initial warning shots into the air, followed by warning bursts directed at the water to deter the assailants. With the Spanish navy vessel reported to be just 100 miles away and a helicopter expected to arrive for backup in about 40 minutes, the captain made the strategic decision to pursue the fleeing criminals to prevent their escape. In a remarkable display of coordination, the 'Canarias' successfully arrested the pirates within two hours. The 'Draco' was crewed by 33 individuals, including nine from Galicia, two from the Basque region, a mix of African and Israeli crew members, and four security officers, showcasing a diverse and resilient team committed to safeguarding their vessel.