Home » Articles

[ Back to Articles ]

April 1, 2010

The Associated Press
© April 1, 2010

NAIROBI, Kenya

U.S. naval forces say they've captured five pirates after exchanging fire with them, sinking their skiff and confiscating a mother ship.

The Norfolk-based frigate Nicholas came under fire about 12:30 a.m. local time from a suspected pirate ship and returned fire before a pursuit began in an area west of the Seychelles, according to the Navy. The disabled skiff eventually stopped.

Crew members from the Nicholas boarded the skiff at 1:59 a.m. and detained three people, a Navy news release says. Ammunition and fuel cans were located on board.

The pirates were taken aboard the Nicholas, which sank the skiff about 2:59 a.m., the release says. Two other suspected pirates were found on the mother ship.

The U.S. Africa Command said the five pirates seized would remain in U.S. custody on board the frigate for the time being.

International naval forces have stepped up their enforcement of the waters off East Africa in an effort to thwart a growing pirate trade.

Experts say piracy will continue to be a problem until an effective government is established on Somalia's lawless shores. The country has not had a functioning government for 19 years.

The Nicholas, an Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate, is supporting U.S. Naval Forces Africa, the naval component in support of U.S. Africa Command.

Virginian-Pilot writer Cindy Clayton contributed to this report.