News / Africa

India: 28 Suspected Somali Pirates Captured

Indian police officials escort alleged pirates at a police station in Mumbai, India (File Photo - January 31, 2011).
Indian police officials escort alleged pirates at a police station in Mumbai, India (File Photo - January 31, 2011).
TEXT SIZE - +

India's military says it has captured 28 suspected Somali pirates on a ship in the Indian Ocean, after a brief clash.

A defense spokesman says navy and coast guard ships chased two small pirate boats to the main vessel, after the pirates tried to hijack a Greek-flagged merchant ship.

Captain M. Nambiar says the mothership, which was captured early Sunday, was a Thai fishing vessel that had been seized about six months ago.

Authorities say the pirates fired on the military ships, which returned fire.  After a brief battle, officials say, the pirates hoisted a white flag and surrendered.  

Military officials say they rescued 24 crew members who were still on board the seized Prantalay 11.

The suspects have been taken to Mumbai for questioning.

Earlier this month, India charged 15 Africans with attempted murder and other crimes for allegedly trying to hijack another Thai fishing boat near the Lakshadweep Islands.

You May Like

Karzai to Discuss Enhancing Defense Ties with India

Afghanistan looking for more military aid as it prepares for withdrawal of NATO forces by next year More

India, China Pledge to Overcome Border Tensions

Indian prime minister and Chinese premier attempt to move past tense standoff in the Himalayas during Delhi talks More

Burmese President Opens US Visit with VOA Town Hall Meeting

Ahead of his meeting with President Obama Monday, Thein Sein answered questions on human rights and economic development in his country More

This forum has been closed.
Comments
     
There are no comments in this forum. Be first and add one

Featured Videos

Your JavaScript is turned off or you have an old version of Adobe's Flash Player. Get the latest Flash player.
Your JavaScript is turned off or you have an old version of Adobe's Flash Player. Get the latest Flash player.
Video

Video Valley Fever Raises Concerns in California, Arizona

A longstanding health problem in California's Central Valley has worsened in recent years, leading health officials to order the relocation of 3,000 prisoners from two state prisons. But the disease affects much of the population in some rural communities and, Mike O'Sullivan reports, while it often goes unnoticed, it sometimes can be devastating for patients.