Republic of South Africa dispatched first ship to fight piracy

16.02.2011 Republic of South Africa sent the first warship to counter piracy in the Mozambique Channel, reported broadcasting corporation SABC on Feb 13.

Frigate Mendi will join other 5 frigates and 18 smaller warships in the anti-piracy campaign.

In Dec 2010 Somali pirates failed to capture two vessels in the Mozambique Channel which was their southernmost assault.

According to International Maritime Bureau, Somali pirates currently hold 31 vessels and 700 hostages.