Sailors and Royal Marines from the Type 22 frigate HMS Cornwall have successfully stormed a vessel seized by Somali pirates
in the Gulf of Aden and rescued five hostages.

The Ministry of Defence described the vessel, a Yemeni fishing boat as a pirate “mother
ship”. The pirates used it as a base from which to mount attacks in three
smaller craft, which were destroyed in the operation last Thursday.

The pirate vessel, a dhow, was returned to the rescued Yemeni crew, who were
able to make their way home, while the 17 pirates were taken aboard HMS
Cornwall and deposited in Somalia.

Commander David Wilkinson, commanding officer of HMS Cornwall, said:
“Our presence in the area has had a hugely significant effect on the lives
of five Yemeni fishermen, who have been freed from over three months of
pirate captivity and can now return to their families. In addition we have
restored a merchant vessel to legitimate use on the high seas.”

He added: “My highly trained team has conducted a very slick boarding
operation which has ensured that this pirate vessel is no longer able to
operate.”