“Pirates”, believed to be immigrants, attempted to hijack a Turkish ship bound for France off the coast of Naples today, Friday, requiring the intervention of Italian special forces.

Italian Defense Minister Speaks Out

In this regard, Italian Defense Minister Guido Croceto explained to the press: “There is an operation on a ship that was captured by pirates … who used weapons such as daggers” to threaten the crew.

Situation Remains Unclear

Although the situation remained mixed tonight, Agence France Presse, citing a government source, said Italian special forces had regained control of the ship.

Details of the Incident

The Turkish-flagged Galata Seaways vessel sailed from Topchular in Turkey on June 7, bound for Sète in southern France, to arrive on Saturday with a crew of 22, according to Italian media reports.

Off Naples, an unknown number of unknown men threatened the crew and detained them in the cockpit. As a result, “the ship has clearly veered off course,” according to the Italian news agency ANSA.

Italian Navy Special Forces Intervene

Special Forces of the Italian Navy attacked the ship and arrested some of the attackers, the search for their accomplices is still ongoing on board.

Source of Information

Source: AFP