PMPF helps recover a stranded fishing vessel from the coast north of Eyl

[kingofkings]

On Friday, the 23rd of March, members of 2nd Platoon, B Company of the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) assisted in the recovery of a stranded fishing vessel on the shores north of Eyl.

 

The platoon was alerted to the grounding of the ship the morning of the 22nd, and within hours the unit departed on the treacherous drive north to provide rescue assistance.

 

Arriving just before nightfall, the Platoon Leader, Lieutenant Mumin Abdi Shire, made an assessment of the situation, and after speaking with the Captain of the ship, agreed to show up at daybreak the following morning to begin unloading the vessel of its cargo of 12 tons of fish.

 

By removing the fish and transferring it to another dhow, the platoon leader and captain hoped to save the cargo and decrease the overall weight of the ship, thus affording the PMPF and the community an opportunity to push it from the location where it was trapped on the beach.

 

The following morning on the 23rd, the 2nd Platoon arrived at the accident site at 5:30 am, and immediately began to assist the community in downloading the ship’s cargo.

 

Fish went from the ice-packed hold of the stricken ship to small motorboats for the short journey to a dhow waiting only 400 meters from the coast.

 

PMPF members assisting in the transfer of fish from the hold of the stricken ship to awaiting motorboats that would – in turn - transfer the cargo to another ship offshore.

 

From there, the fish was packed in ice in the hold of the dhow for transport to the markets of Yemen – a three-day journey by sea.

 

Before noon, the stricken vessel had transferred its precious cargo.

 

The platoon and community then settled in to await the rising of the tide.

 

At 2:15 pm, the waters of the Indian Ocean began to rise, surrounding the beached craft, which began to lift from the sand that entrapped it.

 

Lead by Lieutenant Mumin Abdi Shire and Platoon Sergeant Mohamed Ali Ahmed, the PMPF and the community began to push and pull the vessel from its birth. The work was hard and dangerous, as the boat at times seemed to be on the verge of capsizing on top of those who were trying to free it.

But in the end, the combined effort achieved success, as the boat was freed before a crowd that had swelled to over 100 people.

 

The night prior, success did not seem possible. But thanks to the PMPF and the community, a plan was developed and executed in a way that defied the treacherous beaches and sand bars that were eventually forced to give up their prize.

 

Platoon Leader Lieutenant Mumin Abdi Shire and Platoon Sergeant Mohamed Ali Ahmed of 2nd Platoon, B Company, Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF).

 

Following the completion of his mission, LT Mumin Abdi Shire said that he was proud to have led his platoon in the conduct of this mission, adding that, “the PMPF is here to serve the people of this community.”

 

His remarks were echoed by PSG Mohamed Ali Ahmed, who stated that he was proud of his platoon and the service that they were able to render to the citizens of Puntland.

 

 

The PMPF was created by the government of Puntland in 2010 with the help of donor nations. The indigenous national law enforcement program promotes peace and stability through hiring, training and equipping Somali to bring stability to their nation. The PMPF directly addresses and supports United Nations Resolutions 1772, 1950, 2015 and 2020. The program also supports the goals of the various International Contact Group on Somalia. This law enforcement also reflects the overwhelming conclusion of international experts that the solution to piracy in this region must be land-based, Somali-driven and sustainable. Dr. Abdiwell Mohamed Ali, The Prime Minister of Somalia, officially notified the United Nations in November 2, 2011 of Somali’s intention to begin training and equipping an anti-piracy force.

 

The goal of the PMPF is to deter, detect, and eradicate piracy. In addition the PMPF will prevent illegal fishing, stop coastal related crimes and protect marine resources as well as continue its mission of delivering much-needed humanitarian relief supplies to the Somali people.

[kingofkings]

PL Marines :cool:

[Somalia]

Puntland Marine Police Force.

 

On duty. Out in force. :cool: