Kenya-Somalia pirates

17 suspected pirates handed over to Kenya by the US navy

Article published on the 2009-06-10 Latest update 2009-06-10 14:36 TU

Suspected Somali pirates
( Photo : Pierre Verdi /AFP )

The suspected Somali pirates were aprehended as they were trying to take over an Egyptian cargo ship. The US marines joined forces with the South Korean navy to prevent the ship from being taken. Over a hundred Somali pirates are now being held in custody for various suspected hijackings on the high seas.

Captured in the Gulf of Aden, 'the suspects resisted arrest but the US Marines managed to overpower them,' said local investigation officer Sebson Wandera.

The Spanish and French navy have also recently captured and transferred pirates to Kenya. 

The suspects will be held in Malindi, Kenya, a coastal town 130 kilometres north of Mombasa, due to a shortage of space in Mombassa prisons. Ten pirates have already been tried and sentenced to seven years in jail.

There are up to 20 warships patrolling the Somali coast in a joint effort to secure the area for cargo ships.Fourteen ships and their crew, representing about 200 men, are currently being held hostage by Somalia pirates in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.