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French Frigate Foils Attack, Captures Pirates

Nabs dastardly robbers

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 2, 2009 8:00 AM CST
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(Newser) – A French warship nabbed a boat full of pirates in the Gulf of Aden today, responding to a distress call from a Panamanian vessel, Reuters reports. The pirates fled when they saw the French ship approach, but they later returned to try their luck with the ship again, and the frigate captured them. “Resistance was impossible when faced by a well-armed warship,” said a French armed forces spokesman.

Inside the vessel, the French found a rocket launcher, assault rifles, and boarding ladders. The pirates will be taken to Somalia for trial. France has been a particularly active anti-piracy force in Somalia, having nabbed 29 of the sea bandits since last April.

In this file photo released by China's Xinhua News Agency, a pirate boat is seen next to the Chinese ship Zhenhua 4 in the Gulf of Aden, on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008.
In this file photo released by China's Xinhua News Agency, a pirate boat is seen next to the Chinese ship "Zhenhua 4" in the Gulf of Aden, on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008.   (AP Photo/Xinhua)
In this photograph released by India government Press Information Bureau in New Delhi, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008, the Indian Navy apprehends pirates in the Gulf of Aden on Dec. 13, 2008.
In this photograph released by India government Press Information Bureau in New Delhi, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008, the Indian Navy apprehends pirates in the Gulf of Aden on Dec. 13, 2008.   (AP Photo)
The French navy frigate Jean de Vienne passes through the Suez canal in Ismailia, Egypt, Friday, Nov. 21, 2008, headed for the Gulf of Aden to help out in international anti-piracy efforts.
The French navy frigate Jean de Vienne passes through the Suez canal in Ismailia, Egypt, Friday, Nov. 21, 2008, headed for the Gulf of Aden to help out in international anti-piracy efforts.   (AP Photo)
In this Oct. 8, 2008, file photograph provided by the U.S. Navy, pirates leave the Ukrainian merchant vessel MV Faina for Somalia's shore.
In this Oct. 8, 2008, file photograph provided by the U.S. Navy, pirates leave the Ukrainian merchant vessel MV Faina for Somalia's shore.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
Guest
Oct 7, 2009 11:09 PM CDT
and why did the highly touted French Navy let the second small boat get away. Does the French Navy own any balls?
Shannonals
Jan 2, 2009 5:26 AM CST
What is this idiotic trash? Capturing Pirates?! They should have been excuted there on the spot, as was the law for Pirates in the day.
Guest
Jan 1, 2009 11:42 PM CST
This is a start. and what's more. By the FRENCH! 2getitnow.com

Pirate attacks down amidst international crackdown
BBC

New year, new conquest for pirates
Sydney Morning Herald

Bad times ahead for pirates
RIA Novosti (Russia)

Saudis make progress in Sirius Star negotiations
allAfrica.com

 
Somalia • France • piracy • French warships • pirates

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