Danes Capture Pirate Mothership, Free 14

Published January 8, 2012 10:27AM (EST)

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — The Danish navy says it has captured a suspect pirate mothership off the Horn of Africa and rescued 14 people who were being held hostage on it.

The navy says its warship HDMS Absalon, which participates in NATO's Ocean Shield anti-piracy force, encountered the ship Saturday and the crew boarded it.

They arrested 25 suspected pirates and freed 14 people from Iran and Pakistan.

Navy spokesman Mikael Bill says the hostages are most likely fishermen who had been held for around two months and the pirates were using their fishing vessel.

The hostages were transferred onto the HDMS Absalon, where they were able to call their families.

The Danish Navy said Sunday further investigations are needed to determine what will happen to the suspected pirates.


By Salon Staff

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