Frigate pulls out of anti-piracy patrols

South Africa's anti-piracy operations in the Mozambique Channel have been sunk.

Operation Copper, the defence force's anti-piracy operation in the channel, has ground to a premature halt with the withdrawal of the SAS Amatola, one of the navy's four frigates.

Navy sources said the withdrawal is believed to be linked to a diplomatic bungle in an agreement between South Africa, Mozambique and Tanzania.

The navy launched Operation Copper in the channel and off the coast of Tanzania last year.

The agreement allowedthe signatories' naval forces to patrol the area, and to pursue and seize suspects linked to crimes at sea.

The Amatola began its patrols in August but returned to Simon's Town naval base in September. An air force Dakota maritime reconnaissance aircraft was also on patrol.

Within weeks of its return, it was taking part in exercise Atlasur IX - a naval exercise involving ships from South Africa, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay.

It is now taking part in exercise Ibsamar III with naval vessels from South Africa, Brazil and India until October 30.

At the time of going to press, Defence Department spokesman Siphiwe Dlamini had failed to respond to questions from The Times.

Military analyst Helmoed Heitman said: "It is strange that, when we already do not have enough vessels to deploy, one that is deployed is withdrawn and then used in naval exercises".

"It would be wise for the defence force to have its vessels redeployed as quickly as possible before the pirates realise that the navy is no longer in the area," Heitman said.