A gang of Somali pirates has been captured and had its boat sunk after launching an over-ambitious midnight attack on a US navy frigate last night. The USS Nicholas came under fire while patrolling the Indian Ocean, west of the Seychelles.

The ship, part of the US Africa Command’s anti-piracy force, returned fire and then pursued the skiff, which was carrying fuel and ammunition.

Three pirates were arrested before the boat was sunk, a US navy statement said. The gang’s “mother ship” – the launchpad for attacks far out to sea – was confiscated and two more pirates arrested.

It is not the first time Somali gangs have made such an error. Last year pirates twice tried to hijack French warships, losing their boats and their liberty each time.

Following last night’s failed attack, the US government warned that Somali pirates would become more active in the coming weeks because of calmer seas.

“Vessel operators should anticipate an increase in piracy attacks from March through May … when calmer weather favourable for small boat activity will prevail,” the US Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration said.

The presence of dozens of foreign warships off the coast of Somaliahas increased the number of arrests and foiled attacks, but has failed to stop pirate activity.

To avoid capture Somali gangs have been targeting new areas, sometimes more than 1,000 miles offshore.

Last week pirates hijacked a Turkish cargo ship sailing closer to India than Africa, far beyond the zone patrolled by international navies.

India’s directorate general of shipping reported that Somali pirates have increasingly been preying on small Indian trade boats during recent months.

Although they do not fetch high ransoms, the dhows are easy to board and can be used as mother ships. At least 100 sailors and seven dhows are missing, the Indian government said. – (The Guardian, UK)