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Italy ship thwarts pirate attack Italy ship thwarts pirate attack
(10 minutes later)
An Italian cruise ship has fended off a pirate attack off the coast of Somalia, the vessel's captain has said. A captain of an Italian cruise ship has given the BBC a dramatic account how his crew fended off a pirate attack off the coast of Somalia.
Ciro Pitno said six pirates in a speedboat approached his Melody ship and opened fire, but were forced to flee after security men fired back. Capt Ciro Pitno said six pirates in a speedboat approached his Melody ship and opened fire, but then fled after security men fired in the air.
He said no-one was hurt in the incident late on Saturday. Some 1,500 passengers and crew were on board. He said his crew also sprayed water on the gunmen when they tried to climb aboard using a ladder.
No-on was hurt in Saturday's incident. Some 1,500 people were on the vessel.
Pirates have recently intensified attacks on shipping in the region, despite patrols by the foreign navies.Pirates have recently intensified attacks on shipping in the region, despite patrols by the foreign navies.
See map of how piracy is affecting the region and countries around the world See map of how piracy is affecting the region and countries around the world
Last year, pirates attacked more than 100 ships in the region, demanding huge ransom for their release.Last year, pirates attacked more than 100 ships in the region, demanding huge ransom for their release.
Capt Pinto said the pirates tried to hijack his ship about 290km (180 miles) north of the Seychelles. Captain's story
Capt Pinto told the BBC that the pirates tried to hijack his ship late on Saturday, about 290km (180 miles) north of Victoria in the Seychelles.
"One white small boat with six people on board approached the port [left] side of the ship and started shooting."
The captain said the pirates fired some 200 rounds of shots on the vessel.
His said "our security started shooting in the air... and also we started spraying some water" to beat off the attackers.
Capt Pinto said the pirates were forced to give up after about five minutes of shooting and a high-speed chase.
The head of the Italy's MSC Cruises, which owns the Meloday, credited the captain for his "cool-headed" handling of the incident, Italy's Ansa news agency reported.The head of the Italy's MSC Cruises, which owns the Meloday, credited the captain for his "cool-headed" handling of the incident, Italy's Ansa news agency reported.
The ship was on a cruise from South Africa to Italy. It was now headed as scheduled for the Jordanian port of Aqaba.The ship was on a cruise from South Africa to Italy. It was now headed as scheduled for the Jordanian port of Aqaba.
Somali pirates have hijacked about a dozen ships since the start of April, despite the presence of around 20 foreign naval vessels in the area.Somali pirates have hijacked about a dozen ships since the start of April, despite the presence of around 20 foreign naval vessels in the area.
International warships have been patrolling the waters off Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden in recent months as part of an effort to counter piracy.International warships have been patrolling the waters off Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden in recent months as part of an effort to counter piracy.
They have freed a number of ships, but attacks have continued.They have freed a number of ships, but attacks have continued.
Somalia has been without an effective administration since 1991, fuelling the lawlessness which has allowed piracy to thrive.Somalia has been without an effective administration since 1991, fuelling the lawlessness which has allowed piracy to thrive.
Shipping companies last year handed over about $80m (£54m) in ransom payments to the gangs.Shipping companies last year handed over about $80m (£54m) in ransom payments to the gangs.
When first loaded, the map's focus falls on Somalia where most of the pirates are based. Use the arrow icons to scroll left towards Europe and the United States which are both playing a central role in tackling the problem.When first loaded, the map's focus falls on Somalia where most of the pirates are based. Use the arrow icons to scroll left towards Europe and the United States which are both playing a central role in tackling the problem.
Scroll to the right for a story about the Philippines, which supplies many of the world's mariners.Scroll to the right for a story about the Philippines, which supplies many of the world's mariners.
You can zoom in for more detail by using the "+" or "-" signs on the upper left hand side.You can zoom in for more detail by using the "+" or "-" signs on the upper left hand side.
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Were you on the cruise ship? Did you witness the attack? Send us your comments using the form below.Were you on the cruise ship? Did you witness the attack? Send us your comments using the form below.
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