Navy sends Somali pirates packing
In the country’s first command rescue operation against pirates, the Navy’s antipiracy Cheonghae Unit rescued all the sailors, killed eight Somalis and arrested five others. The mission buoyed the reputation and morale of the Korean military after it lost 48 of its servicemen to two attacks by North Korea last year.
The captain of the vessel, Seok Hae-kyun, suffered grave injuries in his abdomen after being shot by a pirate during the rescue mission, which he was secretly aiding. After months of surgeries and other medical treatment, he recovered to nationwide acclaim as a modern hero.
Early this month, the Supreme Court found the five pirates, who had been transported to Korea, guilty of a range of crimes and sentenced them all to more than 12 years in prison. One pirate was found guilty of trying to murder Seok and got life.
The case served as a reminder of the danger Korean ships are exposed to on international waters and the government announced a set of measures to strengthen their security.
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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