LONDON — Britain’s navy captured 13 Somali pirates on a boat in the Indian Ocean on Friday, the government said, in a NATO-led operation with US forces.
Royal Marines boarded a dhow — a traditional vessel — off the coast of Somalia and captured the men after they failed to heed warnings issued by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel Fort Victoria and the USS Carney, a statement said.
After the boat refused to cooperate, a Royal Navy helicopter with Royal Marine maritime snipers was deployed to provide various warnings to the suspects to stop, Sky News reported.
The boat refused to comply until Royal Marines in speedboats approached and successfully boarded it, forcing the suspects to surrender.
There were 13 Somali pirates on board, together with a selection of weapons.
UK Defence Secretary Philip Hammond called the operation a “clear demonstration of Britain’s ability to tackle piracy that threatens our interests.”
The commanding officer of Fort Victoria, Captain Shaun P. Jones said, “To maneuver such a large ship at speed in close vicinity of a nimble dhow takes extreme concentration and skill. My team were never found wanting. The 13 Somalis certainly found Friday 13th unlucky for them.”