US Navy stops pirate attack

23 Feb 2010 - Eight suspected pirates have been detained by the US Navy after an attack on tanker Barakaale 1 in the Gulf of Aden.

USS Farragut responded to a call for help from the 3204 dwt tanker after it was attacked by a pirate skiff, according to the Combined Maritime Forces today. It is not clear when the incident took place.

During the pirate attack on the MV Barakaale 1, the crew adopted defensive manoeuvers which resulted in a suspected pirate falling overboard whilst attempting to board the vessel. The skiff rescued their accomplice and attempted to board MV Barakaale a second time, but they were unsuccessful.

A helicopter was then sent by USS Farragut to help the tanker. After several warnings, the helicopter fired shots across the bow of the skiff, causing it to stop, the CMF said. A team fro USS Farragut then boarded the skiff and detained its crew.

Source: CP World