14 May 2009

U.S. Navy Detains 17 on Suspected Pirate 'Mothership'

Link to Article

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The U.S. Navy says 17 suspected pirates have been apprehended after an attack on an Egyptian ship in the Gulf of Aden.

The Navy said in a statement Thursday that Korean Destroyer ROKS Munmu the Great and the U.S. guided missile cruiser Gettysburg dispatched helicopters to aid Motor Vessel Amira after it came under attack.
A Gettysburg-based specialized boarding team also boarded the suspected pirate "mothership," a larger vessel which pirates use for logistical support.

The Navy said it brought the alleged pirates on board the Gettysburg for further questioning. Also confiscated were eight assault rifles, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and a rocket-propelled grenade.

The incident occurred Wednesday, about 75 miles south of Yemen's al-Mukalla port.

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