The Italian owned bulk carrier, MV Montecristo, was hijacked by pirates off Somalia on Monday.  The ship’s crew retreated to a protective citadel “safe room” ahead of the pirates.  Today RFA Fort Victoria and USS De Wert, acting as part of NATO’s counter piracy operation stormed the ship and rescued the crew, which was unharmed. A British Ministry of Defense spokesman said, “10-15 Royal Marines were involved. The pirates are now in NATO custody. No special forces were involved.”   Thanks to Alaric Bond for passing the story along.

UK Forces Free Ship’s Crew From Somali Pirates