The Australian navy thwarted an attack by pirates on two merchant ships in the dangerous waters off Yemen, Australian defense officials said Monday.
Crew members aboard the MV Dubai Princess raised distress signals Sunday night, claiming pirates were attacking their ship with rocket-propelled grenades and trying to board their vessel, Australia’s Department of Defense said in a statement. The incident occurred about 100 miles (170 kilometers) south of Yemen, in international waters.
Two Australian navy ships traveling nearby through the pirate-infested Gulf of Aden heard the distress signal and rushed to the Dubai Princess’ aid. By the time the Australian ships arrived, another merchant vessel nearby was also being harassed by pirates, the defense department said.
The pirates fled once the Australian warships were spotted, and no one was injured, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston said in the statement.
A defense department spokeswoman said she had no additional details on the incident.
The Gulf of Aden is one of the world’s most important shipping lanes, connecting Europe and Asia via the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. It is used by 20,000 ships a year and has become the foremost hot spot for pirate attacks.
Dread says: 
Banks Still Face Legal Claims After $25 Billion Settlement
MF Global Judge to Examine Insurance Payments for Former Executives
Daredevil CEOs May Put Companies at Risk
California Independent Contractor Law May Be Liability for Agents, Brokers
North Carolina Continues Auto Regulation Debate As Rates Stay Same for 2012
Long-time California Lobbyist Looks to 2012 Legislation Affecting Insurance
Mine Safety Chief Seeks to End Complacency Over Safety
Virginia Court Grants Rehearing of Global Warming Claims Case
