Berlin, Germany- The United States Navy was called in to help the German Navy to help with their anti Piracy efforts. The German Navy has been working with the United States 5th Fleet to provide assistance and protection for the different vessels traveling near the Coast of Somalia and the Horn of Africa.The German Navy Frigate SS Rheinland Pfalz was responding to a call on Tuesday morning from a large vessel named the MV Courier. It was a cargo ship that is owned by German Hamberg shipping interests, a company called Gerbrueder Winter.
Pirates were attacking the MV Courier, and guns and a grenade launcher were being used. The German Navy, in the form of the SS Rheinland Pfalz heard the distress call and they responded sending their Sea Lynx helicopter to quickly help put down the attack.
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The American cruiser, U.S. Navy vessel USS Monterey sent a helicopter also to assist. Both helicopters fired warning shots at the pirate vessel while the SS Rheinland Pfalz raced the last 50 miles to the area. They seized the Pirate vessel, and boarded it, and arrested the pirates.
The American Helicopter circled the area and prevented the Pirate vessel from leaving the area until the German vessel was able to get there and arrest the pirates.
