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Page last updated at 15:37 GMT, Thursday, 1 April 2010 16:37 UK

US Navy captures suspected pirates after gunbattle

USS Nicholas. File photo
The suspects are now on board the USS Nicholas

A US warship has seized five suspected pirates after an exchange of fire in the Indian Ocean west of the Seychelles, the US Navy says.

Its statement says the USS Nicholas sank a skiff and captured a suspected mother ship in international waters.

The incident happened at 1227 local time when suspected pirates opened fire on the warship.

The warship returned fire before commencing pursuit to disable the skiff, the statement said.

Three suspected pirates were captured after personnel from the USS Nicholas boarded the skiff. Ammunition and cans of fuel were also found on the vessel, which was later sunk.

Two more suspected pirates were also seized on the suspected mother ship.

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



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RTTNews.com US Navy Captures Suspected Pirates After Brief Gun Battle In Indian Ocean - 37 hrs ago
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