Royal Marines capture Somali pirates 16.01.11
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The Royal Navy has captured 13 Somali pirates on a boat in the Indian Ocean. Royal Marines were part of a NATO-led combined counter-piracy force which intercepted a suspect dhow operating in shipping lanes off the Somali coast. In a dawn operation, RFA (Royal Fleet Auxiliary) Fort Victoria joined the USS Carney to try to establish the identity of the boat. They used a Royal Navy Lynx Mark 8 helicopter with Royal Marine maritime snipers who warned the suspects to stop. When it did not stop, Royal Marines in speedboats boarded the vessel and 13 Somali pirates surrendered. They were found on board with a selection of weapons, the Ministry of Defence said. Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said: "This operation off the coast of Somalia is a clear demonstration of Britain's ability to tackle piracy that threatens our interests. "The Royal Navy and Royal Marines are playing a crucial role in securing and protecting international sea lanes that are vital to global trade." Captain Gerry Northwood, commander of the counter piracy operation on RFA Fort Victoria, said: "This was a well-executed operation by Nato forces to locate a known Somali pirate group that was operating in international shipping lanes of the Indian Ocean. "An effective boarding was safely executed by the Royal Marine boarding team based in RFA Fort Victoria and this has safely neutralised the effect of the pirate mothership. "This firm and positive action will also send a clear message to other Somali pirates <b>…</b>
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