Somali Pirates detained on the act then released by German navy

Several Somali pirates were caught in the act by German navy in Gulf of Aden. The pirates were later released by the German government's orders.

An Egyptian cargo ship were the target of the pirates as they were surrounded by the German navy. The pirates shot and injured a member the crew of the Wadi Al-Arab, the Egyptian cargo ship.

A German navy spokesperson based in Djibouti told the BBC's Greg Morsbach the Somali attackers were disarmed by German sailors and their weapons confiscated.

"We had forces on board the frigate, and they used fast small boats, and together with the helicopter we were able to surround the pirates and disarm them," he said

The Karlscruhe sent a helicopter in support of the cargo ship as it was attacked by the pirates. Later, the injured crew member was taken on board the Karlscruhe ship for treatment.