Partner Article

North East war vessels takes on piracy

A ship built in the North East is helping to tackle pirates off the coast of Somalia.

HMS Northumberland, constructed by Swan Hunter at Wallsend in 1992, is joining fellow Northern vessel HMS Cumberland to conduct anti-piracy operations in the wake of a rise in attacks on merchant ships in the Gulf of Aden.

Many of the ships attacked in recent weeks have been carrying essential food supplies to Somalian ports.

HMS Northumberland will also be deployed in Africa and the South Atlantic.

Peter Sparkes, commanding officer of HMS Cumberland, said: “We are here as part of NATO’s commitment to fighting piracy. HMS Cumberland and Northumberland are operating as a force for good while bearing the proud names of our respective counties.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .