Dai Hong Dan incident

The Dai Hong Dan incident took place 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 the support of a US naval vessel.

Seizure

The incident took place about 70 miles (110 km) northeast of the Somali capital, Mogadishu. A group of Somali pirates boarded and captured the North Korean cargo ship Dai Hong Dan. According to North Korean sources, the ship had unloaded its cargo in the Somali capital when seven armed pirates (disguised as guards) boarded the ship, detaining the 22 sailors of the crew in the steering room and an engine room. They then forced the ship to sea and demanded a ransom of US$15,000.

Revolt

The following day, responding to the vessel's distress signal, the American destroyer USS James E. Williams approached the ship and deployed a SH-60B helicopter and a VBSS (Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure) team to secure the scene. 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 (three were wounded). 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 unprecedented positive statement, expressing gratitude to the United States for their help, and stressing the successful US-North Korean collaboration during the incident.