Image Gallery 2010

09 May 2010
Pirate Capture Assistance

An Australian Air Force AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft has assisted in the rescue of 23 crew members of a civilian oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden.

The crew of the aircraft were called to assist the stricken vessel when a distress call was received on the international maritime emergency channel. On arrival they observed three smaller boats pulled up along-side the civilian oil tanker.

The aircrew were able to establish communications with the crew of the civilian vessel confirming that they were in a safe location but in need of assistance with suspected pirates roaming on-board.
The aircrew relayed the request for assistance and the crew of the tanker were eventually rescued by a nearby Russian warship.

The Australian Defence Force operates two AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft in the Middle East in support of International Anti-Terrorism and Counter-Piracy operations.

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Picture taken from an Orion maritine patrol aircraft of a civlian oil tanker being boarded by pirates in the Gulf of Aden.

(Date taken: 05 May 2010)
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Picture taken from an Orion maritine patrol aircraft of a civlian oil tanker being boarded by pirates in the Gulf of Aden showing the three pirates skiffs used for boarding.

(Date taken: 05 May 2010)
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Picture taken from an Orion maritine patrol aircraft of a civlian oil tanker being boarded by pirates in the Gulf of Aden showing the bridge of "Moscow University".

(Date taken: 05 May 2010)
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Picture taken from an Orion maritine patrol aircraft during the boarding of a civlian oil tanker by pirates sailing the Gulf of Aden. Pirates are visible on the aft of the bridge and on the bridge wing.

(Date taken: 05 May 2010)
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The civilian oil tanker "Moscow University" which was boarded by pirates in the Gulf of Aden. Picture taken from an Orion maritine patrol aircraft.

(Date taken: 05 May 2010)
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A team effort. Back on the ground after assisting in the rescue of the crew of a civilian oil tanker besieged by pirates in the Gulf of Aden, Aircraft Captain Flight Lieutenant Adam Cox and his crew on the AP-3C Orion flight line on the Australian Support Base in the United Arab Emirates.

(Date taken: 10 May 2010)
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A team effort. Back on the ground after assisting in the rescue of the crew of a civilian oil tanker besieged by pirates in the Gulf of Aden, Aircraft Captain Flight Lieutenant Adam Cox and his crew on the AP-3C Orion flight line on the Australian Support Base in the United Arab Emirates.

(Date taken: 10 May 2010)
Low-Res | Hi-Res