Canadian forces scare off pirate attack
As the CH-124 Sea King helicopter from HMCS Calgary approaches, two pirate skiffs break off their attack on a cargo vessel and race away. (CP/HO)
OTTAWA - Canadian troops conducting anti-terrorism operations in the waters near Somalia appear to have scared off a pirate attack on a commercial vessel.
The Department of National Defence says HMCS Calgary was operating in the area Tuesday morning when a call for assistance was heard from a vessel apparently under attack by small arms fire.
A DND statement released late Tuesday says the frigate, sailing about 120 kilometres off the coast of Somalia, changed course, got close to the scene of the attack and a Sea King helicopter flew near the vessel.
The statement says two small boats were observed in the area and "appeared to be armed."
Calgary's commanding officer, Kelly Larkin, is quoted as saying he is convinced that the presence of the Canadian helicopter drove the attackers away and prevented further attacks on commercial vessels that day.
Calgary is one of three Canadian warships currently assigned to Operation ALTAIR, Canada's contribution to the U.S.-led coalition fleet conducting anti-terrorist operations in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea.
The Source
Navy
06-06-2008, 21:42
Canadian forces scare off pirate attack 
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