The Dutch frigate HM Evertsen will remain deployed off the Somali coast despite its duties having been transferred to the Italian navy on Saturday.

Thirteen pirates are being held on board and the ship's command has yet to hear which country is willing to prosecute them. Until the issue is resolved, the Evertsen will stay in the area and the Netherlands will remain part of the European Union anti-piracy mission.

The Dutch navy was in command of the EU mission for the past four months. The HM Evertsen has had to take action a number of times to prevent ships being hijacked off the Horn of Africa.

photo: HM Evertsen in 2005 (flickr.com / Lodewijk B.)