The Royal Australian Navy Frigates, HMA Ships 'Sydney' and 'Ballarat', went to the aid of the merchant vessel 'Dubai Princess' on Sunday May 17, after she raised distress signals in the Gulf of Aden.
The 'Dubai Princess' claimed it was under attack from pirates, who were reported to be firing rocket-propelled grenades and attempting to board the vessel by force.
The incident occurred in international waters approximately 170km south of Yemen. 'Sydney' and 'Ballarat' responded to the distress signal while transiting though the Gulf of Aden as part of their Northern Trident 2009 deployment around the world.
As the situation developed, another merchant vessel, 'MSC Stella', was also harassed by small vessels in the same vicinity.
The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, said the measured response by the two passing Australian ships provided security to the merchant vessels and stabilised the situation.
"'Sydney's' Commanding Officer, Captain Peter Leavy, took the initial distress call and responded immediately in accordance with his obligations to render assistance under the Laws of the Sea," Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston said.
"'Sydney' closed in on the merchant vessel and launched her embarked Sea Hawk helicopter to gain an appraisal of the situation.
"At about the same time, 'Ballarat' went to action stations and joined the response. She was instrumental in supporting 'MSC Stella'.
"It appears the situation de-escalated once Sydney and Ballarat asserted their presence at the scene and from the reports we have, no injuries were suffered by merchant sailors.
"The situation was handled with confidence by our two Navy crews in 'Sydney' and 'Ballarat'. Their actions were swift and decisive and have contributed to international counter-piracy efforts in the Gulf of Aden."
'Ballarat' escorted the two merchant vessels, as well as six others that subsequently entered the area, to safety once the threat had eased.
'Sydney' remained in the area for a number of hours to report the situation to a Task Force 151 ship assigned to the counter-piracy mission.
'Sydney' and 'Ballarat' have now resumed their passage through the Gulf and will continue with their Northern Trident deployment programme, which seeks to enhance international relationships and global security.
