Navy destroyer stops suspected pirates

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - The U.S. Navy says the crew of a Tanzanian-flagged ship has successfully fought off a pirate attack in the Gulf of Aden before a U.S. warship arrived and apprehended the pirates.

The Navy's 5th Fleet, which is based in Bahrain, UAE, said Monday the MV Barakaale 1 signaled for help from the international anti-pirate task force after pirates tried to board the vessel from a skiff.

The statement said the Mayport, Fla.-based destroyer USS Farragut dispatched a SH-60B Seahawk helicopter that gave chase to the pirate skiff, firing warning shots across its bow that brought it to a halt.

Sailors from the USS Farragut then boarded the pirate vessel and detained the eight men on board.