US Navy Captures 5 Pirates, Mothership

Exchanged fire, sank skiff near Seychelles
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Apr 1, 2010 8:13 AM CDT
US Navy Captures 5 Pirates, Mothership
A US Naval warship officer, right, from the USS Nicholas give instructions to some of the Kenya Navy officers during a joint military training programme at the port of Mombasa, Kenya, Jan 15, 2010.   (AP Photo)

US naval forces say they've captured five pirates after exchanging fire with them, sinking their skiff, and confiscating a mothership. The USS Nicholas came under fire early today from pirates in an area west of the Seychelles. The US Africa Command said the five pirates seized would remain in US custody on board the frigate for the time being. The Nicholas is home-ported in Norfolk, Va.

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. (More pirates stories.)

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