Date 29 October 2007 | Location Indian Ocean | |
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6 North Korean sailors wounded (3 seriously) 1-2 killed, 5-6 captured (3 wounded) Result North Korean victory, sailors take back control of ship. Combatants United States of America, North Korea Similar Capture of the Fancy, Battle of Nam Quan, North Star affair, Battle of Boca Teacapan, Battle of Tysami | ||
The Dai Hong Dan incident refers to an incident on 29 October 2007, when North Korean cargo vessel MV Dai Hong Dan was attacked and temporarily seized by Somali pirates off Somalia. The following day, the crew of the vessel overpowered the pirates with support of a US vessel.
Contents
Seizure
The incident took place about 70 miles northeast of the Somali capital, Mogadishu, when a group of Somali pirates boarded and captured the North Korean cargo ship Dai Hong Dan. According to the North Korean sources, the ship had left her cargo in the Somali capital when 7 armed pirates (disguised as guards) boarded the ship, detaining the 22 sailors of the crew into the steering room and an engine room, forcing the ship to take sea and demanding a ransom of $15,000.
Revolt
The following day, the American destroyer USS James E. Williams approached the ship and dispatched a helicopter. Meanwhile, the North Korean sailors attacked their captors, seizing some weapons. A prolonged gunfight between the sailors and the pirates resulted in the pirates' defeat.
One or two pirates were killed in the engagement, and the others were captured (3 were wounded). Out of the six Korean sailors wounded, three required medical treatment, which was provided by American medical personnel.
Aftermath
The North Korean press (KCNA) released an uncommon statement, stressing the successful American-North Korean collaboration during the incident.