Fivesuspected pirates were detained by French forces on Saturday after theyreportedly commandeered a dhow.

Thefive are believed to be responsible for an attack earlier on Friday around 115nmsouth of Salalah in the Gulf of Aden.

Thetanker had issued a distress call to the UK Maritime Trade Operation (UKMTO) onthe evening of Friday 17 January, reporting to be under attack.

Accordingto the reports, the attack was repelled by a private armed security teamembarked on board the ship.