Two boarding units from the Norwegian frigate "Fridtjof Nansen" came under fire from pirates, while on an inspection mission close to the Somalian coast on Wednesday. There were no casualties.

The two boarding teams were on a routine mission, inspecting a group of fishing vessels, and during the mission they came under fire from one of the fishing boats. The Norwegian units returned the fire, before withdrawing.

The incident happened near the coast of Somalia, around 83 nautical miles off the coastal city of Boosaaso. The Norwegian frigate is part of the EU-led anti-pirat operation Atlanta, set up to protect international shipping in the Bay of Aden.

The vessel also carries out escort missions for the World Food Program (WFP), to ensure safe passage for emergency supplies to the victims of the food shortage in Somalia.

(NRK)

Rolleiv Solholm