Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) vessel Fort Victoria has disrupted a group of pirates operating off the Somalian coast.

This is the second disruption by the ship in four weeks and the sixth since her deployment.

On November 30 a helicopter from RFA Fort Victoria identified a whaler-type vessel which was fully loaded with fuel and carrying a crew that appeared to be pirates, anchored off-shore near Hobyo.

Royal Marines from the ship shadowed the vessel in their fast boats as it departed from the shore, while snipers in the helicopter provided aerial support and cover. As soon as the Marines began their strike the pirates surrendered, immediately throwing their weapons into the sea.

The pirate vessel was destroyed and the pirates were detained and held on Fort Victoria before being put ashore on the Somali mainland.

This recent action is the ship’s sixth since deploying to the Somali Basin in September. Earlier this month the ship intercepted a suspected pirate boat during a patrol of the waters between the Somali coast and the Seychelles.

RFA Fort Victoria is part of NATO’s counter-piracy mission.

DIARY DATES: Today: The Royal Marines Association is holding the branch Christmas social at 19.30 hours at West Bowling WMC, Dovesdale Road.

The Royal Artillery Association meets at 19.30 hours at the RAOB club, Otley Road.

Wednesday: The Coldstream Guards Association meets at 19.30 hours at Northcliffe Golf Club, Saltaire.

The Keighley branch of the Royal British Legion meets at 19.30 hours at Holingsroyd House, Lord Street, Keighley.

The Green Howards Association meets at 13.30 hours at Headingley Club.