US warship captures pirates after skirmish in Indian Ocean

Victoria - A US Navy warship has repulsed an attack by a pirate boat and, after an exchange of fire, captured five suspected pirates west of the Seychelles Islands in the Indian Ocean.

A US Navy warship has repulsed an attack by a pirate boat and, after an exchange of fire, captured five suspected pirates west of the Seychelles Islands in the Indian Ocean. According to US Africa Command’s (AFRICOM) website:

While operating west of the Seychelles in international waters, Nicholas reported taking fire at 12:27 AM local time from a suspected pirate skiff and returned fire before commencing pursuit of the vessel until the disabled skiff stopped.

At 1:59 AM. personnel from Nicholas boarded the disabled skiff and detained three personnel. The boarding team found ammunition and multiple cans of fuel on board.

Reuters reported that the US Navy frigate, USS Nicholas, captured three pirates on the skiff. AFRICOM said in its report:

An additional two suspected pirates were captured on the confiscated mother ship.

The suspected pirates will remain in US custody on board Nicholas until a determination is made regarding their disposition.

AFRICOM said the USS Nicholas was an Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate based in Norfolk, Virginia. The ship is currently supporting US Naval Forces Africa, which is the naval component of AFRICOM. Wikipedia says the ship, which is named after Major Samuel Nicholas, has seen action in the Persian Gulf as well as in the Yugoslav conflict.