US Marines capture hijacked ship
Published:Thursday | September 9, 2010 | 5:17 PM
US Marines have boarded and seized a vessel hijacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia.
Navy officials say a group of 24 marines swooped down on the German-owned M/V Magellan Star and took control of the ship from nine pirates who had captured it on Wednesday.
However, the US Fifth Fleet says there were no casualties during the pre-dawn raid.
The vessel has been returned to its 11-member crew, who are unhurt after they managed to seal themselves in a safe compartment when the pirates struck.
It’s the first time that the US Marines have seized a pirated vessel off Somalia.
The nine suspected pirates were taken into custody.
The US Fifth says their fate is yet to be determined.