The USS Nicholas exchanged fire with and arrested a team of pirates this morning in international waters. At about 12:27 a.m. local time, a small skiff approached the USS Nicholas warship and began shooting. The alleged pirates attacked the warship hoping to receiving emergency money. Until further notice, the crew of the USS Nicholas is holding all five of the alleged pirates.
Pirate attack on the USS Nicholas
The USS Nicholas, which functions as a supply and security frigate, entered service in April of 1983. The USS Nicholas had been on U.S. Navy operations in international waters. Just west of Seychelles, the ship came under fire from three pirates in a small skiff. The USS Nicholas returned fire, at which point the skiff turned around. The USS Nicholas pursued the skiff, sank it, and detained the three suspected pirates. The USS Nicholas also took possession of the “mother ship” of the skiff, and two other suspected pirates.
Pirates attacked west of Seychelles
The pirate attack on the USS Nicholas followed what has become the standard pirate plan in advance of attack. A pirate “mother ship” will sail out to sea, then send out skiffs with a few heavily armed men. The pirates in the skiff will attack a ship, then hold the crew ransom until they receive ransom money. Typically, pirates are paid the cash and all parties go their separate ways.
Piracy on the rise in international waters
In the first half of 2009, the number of pirate attacks around the globe doubled, especially around the African continent. The increase in piracy has led to a comparable rise in loan lenders and insurance plans, though competition is beginning to stabilize prices. The UN has also made statements about piracy, pointing out that it has a basis in the extreme poverty of many African nations. A resolution in motion is what’s needed to prevent any more of this ruthless act.
