Somali Pirates: The Japanese-Greek Coalition Strikes

Reported by MSC(HOA) here:

EUNAVFOR Greek warship ELLI stops pirate skiff in its tracks - Successful cooperation with Japanese Task Force

04/05/2010 17.19 UTC

This morning 4 May, a Super Auk 12 helicopter from the Japanese Task Force reported a suspicious skiff with seven persons on board just outside the International Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) approximately 50 miles south of Al Mukalla, Yemen.

The Japanese Task Force was escorting a Convoy through the IRTC when it detected a suspicious skiff and informed the EU NAVFOR Greek warship HS ELLI of its position. HS ELLI closed the skiff which, despite warning shots from ELLI, refused to stop. The skiff conducted evading manoeuvres and tried to flee so ELLI used her main gun which had the effect of stopping the skiff and the persons on board surrendered. During the chase, the skiff’s crew were seen to throw material over board. Personnel from ELLI have now boarded the skiff and after a final investigation, the skiff was released.

This unprecedented cooperation between coalition forces strengthens the anti piracy forces ability to combat piracy.

I have no idea what a "Super AUK 12" helicopter is. My understanding is that the JMSDF flies SH-60 helicopters.