Dutch frigate frees German merchant ship from pirates

The Dutch frigate HMS Tromp freed a German merchant ship from the control of pirates off the coast of Somalia on Monday, the defence ministry said in a statement.

The navy ship, sailing as part of a EU anti-piracy mission, was alerted to the hijacking by an emergency call from the Taipan's crew who had withdrawn to a safe area on board, the ministry statement said.

When the pirates refused to give up, warning shots were fired from both the Tromp and its onboard helicopter. All 10 pirates were picked up. One Dutch sailor was slightly injured during the rescue mission.

It had not been decided what would be done with the pirates who have been arrested, defence ministry spokesman Robin Middel told news agency AFP

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