LONDON - An attempt by pirates in the Gulf of Aden to attack a Norwegian tanker has been foiled, a NATO spokesman said Sunday. Seven pirates tried to board the 80,000 tonne MV Front Ardennes overnight Saturday but fled when foreign ships approached. The would-be hijackers were then chased for seven hours by Canadian frigate Winnipeg, NATO maritime spokesman Commander Chris Davies said.
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The pirates were held and questioned but could not be charged with any offence because doing so was not within Canada's jurisdiction.
They launched their attack from a skiff but were foiled when a British Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel, the Wave Knight, arrived on the scene along with air support, Davies said. He gave no further details of the air support. The Winnipeg, on escort duty for the UN World Food Programme, also came to the scene.
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