A Dutch navy frigate has disarmed three Somalian vessels suspected of piracy in the Indian Ocean, the Dutch Ministry of Defence announced on Tuesday.

HNLMS Tromp was pursuing a pirate vessel after it had unsuccessfully attempted to launch a boarding raid on a merchant ship several days earlier, some one thousand nautical miles from the Somali coast.

The Dutch Royal Navy ship's helicopter fired several warning shots before the pirate's 'mother skiff' finally surrendered. After  apprehending the mother vessel, HNLMS Tromp continued to search the area and found two more skiffs in the vicinity.

The nine men found on board the vessels had satellite telephones, ladders, AK-47 automatic rifles and a rocket launcher with them. All equipment was confiscated and two of the skiffs were destroyed. According to the Dutch ministry of Defence, the pirates will be send home in the remaining skiff after questioning.

HNLMS Tromp is taking part in Operation ATALANTA, an EU operation aimed at deterring, preventing and repressing acts of piracy and armed robbery in the waters off Somalia.

© Radio Netherlands Worldwide