BRILLIANT WORK! pirates need to realise that although great numbers of ships are non-UK-flagged they may still be insured with Lloyds of London. In such cases attacks on British insured ships are tantamount to an attack on the UK. There is nothing jolly about piracy.

Davey, North Cornwall, UK

Well Done R.N.
Have been through the area twice in 99 -00 and been involved in an incident requiring the assistance of a tanker, then a flyover by the French navy in a helicopter.
3 suggestions, More completely, more quietly, more often.
Its a ruthless part of the world.

Dave, Sydney, Australia

Great job! But, piracy has never been defeated on the high seas.

If these pirates are to be defeated, they will be defeated on the land, by soldiers on the ground. Not so long ago this sort of operation would have been routine. Not anymore.

Jim C., Boston, USA

Nice one RN and RM! Great job, keep up the good work!

The artical said it was the RN's 1st 'fatal shoot-out' in living memory. I think that was a journalistic licence implying that the shooting was done with personal arms and not ship mounted guns.
Anyway, what about WW1, that's in living memory.

Alan, Manchester,

I Quote: "and identified it as a vessel which had been involved in an attack on the Danish-registered MV Powerful earlier yesterday." The surviving pirates should be put on trial in Denmark. Hope no-one from the "Powerful" was injured.
The RN (way to go!!) simply took them into custody.

Elliott, PT, ISRAEL

What Mr. Robin said....

Randall King, Pleasant Grove, Ut, USA

I wonder what Lee would have thought if the same 'innocent fishermen' had shot at an American boat. In my experience, fishermen tend to catch fish etc with nets and traps not machine guns and RPGs. The only way to deal with pirates is on their own terms - well done the Royal Navy

Terry Marks, Oxford, UK

One British Ship is worth anyone elses whole Navy. Every Russian Fleet has sunk on the journey to the target!

Chris, London,

Good show, RN!

Suggestion to pirates: If You're going to mess with the Royal Navy (or the US Navy) You'd better take swimming lessons first.

J Robin, Chicago, USA

Congratulations to all aboard the HMS Cumberland! Well Done!
Also Deeply appreciate, as an American, the Royal Navy's Anti-
Narcotics Patrol in the Caribbean and their success there! Again,
as in history, The Royal Navy protects us all!

Charles Chosewood, Darien, Georgia, U.S.A.

Well done, Brits! Now if only you had told the surviving pirates to walk home!

Saltherring, Seattle, USA

Great job to our UK Friends. That action sent a clear signal to those pieces of human debris they call pirates. Too bad the rest of them can't read and be forwarned. It's time for the bad guys to eliminated irregardless of where they are.

David, Fayetteville, GA, USA

Great discipline and excellent execution for our military brothers- in-arms.

Scott, Orlando, USA

Nice one RN-these pirates might as well have stirred a wasps nest with a stick.

Just so long as it stays legal

Jonathan Peden, Birmingham, England

Reading the comments, I'd say that's pretty much a standing ovation. It's particularly good to hear Americans being so supportive. So can we have more of this please? Making the seas safer is a bit of a start to a more civilised world.

Geoffrey, Sydney,

don't cuff with the British and noone gets hurt

Marjan Sobhani, London,

Many thanks to all you wonderful supportive americans etc from a mother whose daughter is serving on HMS Cumberland..

Sue C, Reading, UK

Way to go Brits! Y'all cowboy'd up and took care of business. This Texan salutes the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines.

Darrell Rose, Huntsville, TX, United States

This is a disgraceful act or terrorism commited against poor innocent fisherman. Where is the ACLU? Who will be there to protect their rights? What is this world coming to when innocent fishermen can't make a living on the high seas? World Court trials for those responsible for the Somali deaths.

msulliv99, SoCal, USA

Lee from Virginia:

Duh! The pirates opened fire on the Commando *rigid raiders*, not the frigate. The appropriate measures were taken.

We *used* to be the nation that used massive retaliation to quell rebellion against the Empire - but we leave that to you guys nowadays...

;o)

steve, southampton ,

Good Job - someone has to show the existence of regulations and law enforcement.
I can't stop wondering, are these surviving pirates going to be brought to justice, with a proper investigation as well...? The whole idea it's to attack the root of the problem

Paulo Sossa, London, UK

Well done RN, the world would be a better and safer place if RN influence was extended.

M. Redmire, London,

I'm not sure I understand- a pirate dhow opens fire on a British frigate, and only two pirates are killed, and the dhow is left standing so it can be boarded?

After that confrontation, the pirate dhow should have been splinters of wood swirling around in the water.

Who will try the pirates now

lee, Alexandria, VA, usa

GB still rules the waves. On Britannia!
This is the Royal Navy we read about, as
children!

Peter, New York, USA

To the two comments that complain about HMRN acting as a cop away from home, that's what all naval powers have always done - suppress piracy around the world. The US did it in the early 1800's just a few years after we were a country, all the way over in North Africa ("the shores of Tripoli")

Kevin O'Rourke, San Francisco, USA

Gary Kendrick
I think a ot of peope who have been invaded or bombed by the US over the years--Vietnam, Iraq etc-- would regard the US as hostile.
If the US refrained from invading/attacking other countries, causing death and destruction and killing civilians the world might seem less hostile.

Kev Lax, Shanhai, China

To all the nay-sayers....Protecting International shipping lanes is the responsibility of all nations (thus international)...If Somolia or Yemen participated and provided this protection, British sailors and marines would probably cheer their help. God save the Queen!

Wasabi, Austin, TX, USA

Three cheers for the Royal Navy. Let that be a warning to the rest of these so called pirates. Good work.

Mick, Brisbane, Australia

londons calling! good for you royal navy!!

paul, fair haven, usa

Didn't know the Royal Navy was English comment # 4, certainly wasn't in my day, I seem to remember people from more than one country on these islands serving in it, do they teach the facts where correctly where you went to school?

Keith Hendry, Edinburgh, Scotland

Spiffing, what ho and pip pip!

Will, toronto, canada

Manhood returns. And just in time.

Ted, Stow, OH, USA

"Good people sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -Orwell

Thank you, Men of Britain.

Bill White, Park Hills, USA

Nice to see the modern Royal Navy live up to the standards set by Jack Hawkins, Robert Blake, and Horatio Nelson.

No navy on earth has a richer history than Her Majesty's Royal Navy.

ryan, ann arbor,

Great job! Proud of you.

Joe, Dodge City, Kansas, USA

I looked forward to working with the Brits before I retired from the AF. They are consummate professionals of the highest order, and love a good fight.

Keith Callison, TSgt(R) Security Forces USAF, Albuquerque, USA

Well done chaps. Has their been a change in rules of engagement since the Iranian fiasco? Kind compliments from our cousins on this site well noted .

Simon, London,

To America's greatest ally and friend, Congratulations! You've done us all proud!

Charles Gubler, Deptford, NJ, USA

God bless the Brits and their Navy!

Stewart O' Riordan, Queens, New York, USA

It is the responsibility of all nations to keep the sea lanes open for commerce. Piracy has become rampant in the Gulf of Aden. Good to see the Royal Navy performing its rightful Duty, and doing it well.

Joe Patt, Pensacola, FL, USA

Very good job Marines!

Charlie, Phoenix, United States

Well done, Brittania! It's good to see that you still know how to handle a few waves.

Julie Cochrane, Marietta, GA, US

At least the pirates did not kill anyone. Goes to show there skill and respect for lives. Unlike the marines, they killed them, and did not achieve their mission. This was to bring these men to the court and get their punishment.

Samira, London, UK

All in the UK must be very proud! Way to go Royal Marines and Royal Navy!

Dan White, Clatonia, USA

Well Done!!! Maybe the West hasn't totally surrendered yet.

I wonder if the U.S. Navy will be allowed to defend itself once President Obama is in charge.

Richard, Dallas, USA

I agree with Robert John Chamberlin in Norwich. Still, all said, job well done and thanks to the Brits for your support.

Bob Johnson, Florence, South Carolina, USA

Hey Liberals...THIS is how it's done! Way to go Brits!!

Bruce, Virginia, USA

Thankyou to the RN, my Husband is a MN Officer working in these dangerous waters.

Carol, Plympton Devon, UK

Sorry but why risk the lives of the boarding party?

If they are fired on they should withdraw and allowing a ship or helicopter based missile to destroy the pirate vessel.

News would soon spread.

Alan, Southampton, Hants

Thanks for fighting the good fight, guys. God Bless You all!

Jon Davis, Ladysmith, va, USA

Well done Royal Navy. Bravery and professionalism well worthy of your find tradition. One can only hope that our new "government" is watching and taking a lesson.

Gary Curtis, Orinda, USA

We in the Unisted States salute the British Royal Navy!

Bobt, Kinsale, Virginia, USA

To solve piracy it is also necessary to deny the pirates safe havens. This was the practice followed by Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (a.k.a. 'Pompey the Great' ) in the late Roman Republic. See Plutarch's Parallel Lives for a summary. Shooting up a lone pirate vessel won't stop the trade.

Robin Hill, Auckland, New Zealand

Hayduke, I can asure you are. "The small price paid by international traders is negligible" What about the family members of the crews taken? This isn't a Disney Movie!

Dean, Southampton, England

to Hayduke

What a great attitude! I think its wonderful how you equate lawlessness with freedom. In fact I'm so impressed that I think you should give your address out so some criminal, freedom fighter can come to your house and rob you. After all, its a negligible price to pay for freedom.

Dee, Southern Illinois, USA

Amazing that for years people, cargoes and ships have been hijacked at will and our "leaders" haven't given a hoot.
Then suddenly, the seabourne muggers land themselves a shipload of military Tanks. Belatedly our "leaders" send in the Navy - who are great.
Please don't applaud Too Little, Too Late

Philip, London, United Kingdom

Argh maties, just like the good old days.

Jack, Los Angeles, USA

Are you crazy Hayduke? This isn't Sir Walter Raleigh fighting the Imperial Spanish for the British Queen Elizabeth in 16th century England. These are terrorist pirates who are doing nothing kidnapping for money. There is no honor in what they do.

James, Sarasota, FL, USA

I love to hear news like this! Well done!

Bob Hunkins, Houston, Texas,USA

Supporting piracy is lunacy. Our constitution places rights to property ownership among our top freedoms. Piracy has no place under the rule of law and should be opposed at every turn. This type of mindless romanticism shows how easily our intellect is hijacked by Hollywood or the mass media.

Phil G., Sterling, VA, USA

Finally, the Brits are allowed to defend themselves. If only that right was extended to British citizens.

Berge, Simsbury, Ct, USA

Why should the pirates get free ride for something that does not belong to them. Piracy and rebellion must be put to end to kill the inspiration others hoping for.
Good job guys, well done.

Jason Verma, Suva, Fiji

The Royal Navy did an excellent job. How refreshing when lawlessness is put to justice!

L.K., Dallas, USA

Hey Joe in Chicago... Iran never "attacked" any ships. Attack means opening fire. That never happened.

John , California, USA

Well Done!!!!

John, placentia, california republic

2 words: Rule, Britannia !

Patrick, Dallas, America

Nasr, you are ignorant of the facts. My husband is an engineering officer in the merchant navy and he and his colleagues are at risk every day of been taken hostage and/or killed by Pirates who have no regard for life.

Karen, Leeds, UK

Am I the only one who kind of roots for the Pirates?

I know they're a bunch of outlaws, but really, the world could use a few more outlaws. The small price paid by international traders is negligible, really.

When the last pirate is captured, we'll all be a bit less free.

Hayduke, Pittsburgh PA, USA

Congrats to the British military, both Navy and Marines. This HAS to be a source of pride to the civilians as well that support their military's efforts to keep peace alive.

I wonder, though, if Obama's win in the U.S. didn't wake up the U.K. military establishment......

Big Al, Raleigh, USA

The lesson is a simple one...Don't "mess" with the Brits! The Brits know how to fight, will fight and are very good at it.

Good show, old man, good show!!!

tom, kansas city, MO, USA

Now THAT's the Royal Navy I've grown to love.

Art Spinella, Bandon, USA

YES! ...FINALLY!!! .....Do you think that the pirates "got the point" of the "communication"? ...Listen....we need a lot more of this type of "interaction" with our muslim/pirate/terrorist foes....When you respond with overpowering force and squash them like a bug....they "get it"...Got it?

Reggy, Maryland, USA

I find it amazing that the Brits use inflatable dinghies for boarding of hostile craft. God bless them for finally taking action against this continuing threat. Does anybody know what ever became of that Russian Merchant ship that was taken this summer?

Will.i.am, Milford, USA

The Navy did right but... now they can claim political asylum, take the Royal Navy to court for abusing their human rights to piracy, get millions in compensation and come here and live on benefits for life!

Alan, Luton,

Rule Britannia. Well done Marines and Sailors. May god see you safely home after courageosly defending the open seas.

Michael, Chicago, USA

Nasr, if you have no knowledge of international policy, then do not comment. Ill informed opinions simply serve to display your ignorance, therefore you are forgiven for your attempted criticize British international relations, and UN sea law. Well done to the Royal Navy we support you.

Michael, Cambridge, UK

"It was the first time the Royal Navy had been engaged in a fatal shoot-out on the high seas in living memory."

Does anyone remember WWII, or the Falklands War?

Dave Geyer, Merrimack, NH, U.S.A.

Well done chaps. Crack the seal on that bottle of rum!

Shaun, Bromley, UK

This is a disgrace. What about the pirates rights? This is all happening because of global warming! Were there any whales injured?

Roberto, Charlotte, USA

Congrats, Brits! You've improved since that unpleasantness with the Iranians a few months back.

David, Silver Spring, USA

Allow this former US Navy sailor to give a hefty Bravo Zulu to my Royal Navy brothers and sisters. The progeny of Nelson are clearly living up to the standards of their forefathers.

Lee Croft, Beijing, China

The pirates will probably sue in the British human rights courts and get awarded massive compensation. That seems to be the usual in the topsy turvey world of Gordon Brown's Britain.

Doug, Glasgow,

Congratulations on a job well done. Thank you for demonstrating to the rest of the world how to handle such situations.

Keep up the good work.

Kent, Atlanta, GA, USA

At last the world is taking notice. Well done the RN!

Ian Smith, Sotogrande, Spain

there is a very simple solution to piracy ,every ship should have a trained man or 2 depending on size of ship armed with a TOW or other hand launched missile. Just sink any threatening boat and let the sharks deal with what is left
Piracy would be hisitory in no time when there is no easy target

bill, ely,

Great work! I hope the entire crew of HMS Cumberland gets an extra tot of good British rum for its work. But please, serve the Marines first, in recognition of their particular efforts in the action.

JC, former USN Sailor, OBX, NC, USA

"The Royal Navy described the boarding as “compliant” "

I bet it was "compliant"!

Well done Royal Marines!

Eric, Boston, USA

I read russian news last night on the same topic. Cumberland was briefly mentioned, bravery of a Russian helicopter was described in details, british soldiers who boarded the pirates' boat were not even mentioned.

I love Russian media.

Alex, Saint-Petersburg, Russia

Thanks to our best friends in the world - hoo-yah!

Russ, Tempe, Arizona, USA

Way to go Mates. Our hats are off to you all.

Dave, Sacramento, USA

Absolutely cracking good job!

Steve Burrell, York, England

Congratulations on a job well done.

Brooks, Alberton, USA

Excellent job, british brothers, bout time someone did the deed to these criminals

Jim Buchholz, St Louis, USA

Congratulations to the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines! Good work! Do this next time the iranians attack one of your warships.

Joe, Chicago, IL, USA

I thank Her Majesty's Royal Navy for taking swift and decided action in this extremely dangerous incident. This is an example that, we are sure, will deter future piracy acts in the high seas. It is also an example for Americans, French, etc., on how to prevail effectively under such situations.

Leo Leon, Tucson, USA

Commodore Stephen Decatur would be very proud of the Royal Navy. And, sad that after almost 200 years we have not put an end to the practice of paying tribute to pirates. WELL DONE!

Wiliam R. Abernathy, USN 1962 - 1969, Wilmington, USA

The Royal Navy still has it's excellent tradition and reputation. Our hats off to you from across the pond. Great job and keep up the good work. You've given your Navy renewed enlightenment. Your comrades from centuries past are proud of you. We in the States are too.

Dwight, Alexandria, USA

Good show.

M Gilliam, California,

Good work sailor boys! Should of made 'em walk the plank though, much more in keeping.

Tim, Hong Kong,

England expects every man to do his duty. The UN will expect show-trials of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.

Mack Hall, Kirbyville, Texas

That is the Royal Navy deserving of respect and appreciation. Hats off to you. Well done. Keep it up.

Robert, Los Angeles, USA

It's good that our allies "over there" are pleased - certainly I am too! But others writing here do not seem to understand the meaning of "international waters". Over 90% of the UK's trade is by sea and it's not so different for many other nations. Our own folk need some education about the sea.

Lt Cdr Lester May RN - retired, Camden Town, London, UK

Well Done.

John Hackworth, La Verne, USA

Outstanding job and a big thank you from across 'the pond' to the Royal Navy!

Tony Roylance, St. Louis, MO, USA

Well done, my hats goes off to the British Commandoes our brothers in arms!

Kirk, Dallas, USA

Why did they only mention the name of the female sailor who was captured by the Iranians and not the names of the male sailors?

Good job on this encounter though.

David, Oceanside, US

Politicians should take note: robust action in these circumstances is what we're looking for. Well done the matelots.

Steve Robinson, Birmingham, UK

"First time in living memory"? World War II and the Falklands War are in living memory.

G. Parsons, Fort Mac, Canada

Dear Nasr-
Piracy is a plague on all peoples including the good citizens of Yemen and Somalia. Good on the fine crew of HMS Cumberland for a job well done. And fie on the governments bordering the Gulf of Aden for not taking care of this blight themselves.

James Thomas, Seattle, U.S.A.

Nasr of Birmingham - At the request of the UN's Secretary General, the Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution on 7 October 2008 calling on States with naval vessels and military aircraft operating off the Somali coast to use “the necessary means” against acts of piracy. Well done the RN.

Rob Hoole, Waterlooville, UK

Bravo Zulu Royal Navy and the Royal Marines. Courage, professionalism and authority - these guys have those qualities in spades. This sends a clear message to the pirates who have been plaguing these waters - a line has been drawn and you cross it at your peril.

Rob, York, UK

If Pirates feel that cargo ships are fair game in international waters, then they should not be suprised when they are open fired upon. Support your country or leave it Mr. Nasr. By the way, the UN is useless if you have not noticed smart guy. Way to go Royal Marines!!

Raheem, Detroit, USA

Good Show.

Stravage, , USA

You mess with the best....

eduardo flores, Madrid,

Good going boys! Three cheers for the Royal Navy and her Marines! HIP Hip Hooray! HIP HIP Hooray!! HIP HIP HOORAY!!!

Yukiko, Chicago, USA

Pirates will fear the Navy when they see what comes of challenging it. Word will soon spread and soon there will be a lot less criminals willing to risk their life as a seafaring pirate. Good job!

Kevin, Los Angeles, CA, USA

At last something to be proud of, obviously the Government had little or no involvement in this incident.

Well done to our brave Navy Marines. All true Brits are proud of you.

J.Wilkes, Gloucester,

Well Done to our friends the Brits. I wish all of the sailors well as their's is a dangerous job. You have the gratitude of this US citizen.

Thomas, California, USA

God Bless the Royal Marines! Nice work...

Dan, Pearl River,

This is the navy we love. A few repeats and the sea there, if not the land , will be quiet and civilized

Marco Borg , London, United Kindom

For all the nay-sayers out there, try to look up where the UK gets its trade from. Hence the need to protect sea lanes. The UK is an island nation, and needs to be strong at sea to protect its interests globally, not just in our back yard.

Jim Spriggs, Oxford, UK

It is proper amd lawful for civilized peoples to be in a condition of perpetual war with pirates. Go Royal Navy!

Gray Champion, Boston, USA

Shame on you it's not brave while you travelled hunderds mile away from your countries and enters onother continent and of course using big artillary machines where the world is going to it's not a time when western powers used to do whatever they wanted it's the time paying the price let us watch!

Afro som , Gode, Ethiopia

God bless the Royal Navy.

james maher, cherry Hill, NJ, USA

I'm sure that the two RM units engaged in the firefight will be now counselled and put on stress leave.

Shane, Fremantle, Oz

Dear oh dear, I feel a 'human rights' case coming on for the poor pirates. Legal aid funded lawyers please form an orderly queue, you will all get your blank cheques.

Gordon Hickley, Melbourne, Australia

Congrats to our British brothers and sisters your country and countrymen continue to serve as marvelous examples of world citizens. From one American I am proud to have such friends in a hostile world.

Gary Kendrick, Florence Alabama, USA

Thank you Royal navy for a job well done! It is good to know that her Majesty's ship's patrol these pirate infested waters!

Jon Frost, Los Angeles, USA

Well done. Keep up the good work. This is the sort of thing which shows that the British navy are carrying on the good tradition of upholding the international law of the seas.

Evangeline Phillips, Quorn, United Kingdom

Bravo Zulu to the HMS Cumberland and the Royal Marines. The Royal Navy performed as professionally as ever. Well Done!

Michael, Houston, TX, USA

"...first time... in living memory" - but they still know how to get the job done - respect!

Sam, N Wales,

Well what makes the UK go over to the Gulf of Aden. It's absolutely not in close proximity to the UK. Therefore why should they have the right to attack, nor defend (since they should not have been there in the first place). And above all, this kind of situation require the UN's attention not UK;s.

Nasr, Birmingham, UK

Way to go!!! Keep up the good work. Kudos to our fine British ally.

JVD, Sacramento, U.S.A.

Well done Royal Navy! Hats off to you!

Jim, Chicago, USA

Hear hear for the birts. hey lads you have the guts not to be kicked around.

Do it again soon it is time the pirates learned that they should not tangle with you.

Ken, Martindale, U S A

"It was the first time the Royal Navy had been engaged in a fatal shoot-out on the high seas in living memory."
Were there no "fatal high seas shoot-outs" involving the Royal Navy during WWII or the Falklands War?

Kevin, Phoenix, AZ, USA

Commendations to the sailors and marines of Cumberland! That's the way!

William Graves, Davis, California, USA

A pint is hoisted in salute to the men of the RN. Fervently hoping that these actions will make the pirates think twice before taking any action with her Majestys ships in the area!

Robert, Starke, USA

Bravo!

Well done, members of the Royal Navy

Howard Roark, Raleigh, NC, USA

It's stories like this that make this American proud to be a descendant of Britain.

Ed Burns, Flemington, USA

YA Well done men this is from a marine town in california, your just takeing care of buisness well done take care GOD speed.

pomoc, oceanside , USA

Good work. I'm glad none of the sailors were hurt. To accept the pirates surrender and not slaughter them shows great depth of character and sense of duty.

Jesse, New Jersey, USA

Britannia's clearly still doing pretty well out there on the waves.
Well done lads.

Clive Burghard, Lancing, ENGLAND

Another fine example of leadership and order restored on the high seas courtesy of the Royal Navy.

Hats off!

Jim, Leesburg VA,

Ahhh, the Royal Navy still winning fights with pirates. Well done, Brits!

david, Knoxville, TN, USA

Thank heavens for the lobsters. I hope they clean out those infested waters.

Mr. Tee, los angeles,

The Royal Navy, carrying on their great tradition of keeping the sea lanes free. Good work and keep safe!

Glenn, Ladera Ranch, CA , USA

This is the Royal Navy we know and love. This shows the true heart of the Lion, unlike the incident last year with Iran.

David, Orlando, USA

This is our English brethen - not like the liberals who will no be running my country! Good job!

cb, Fla, USA

Well done boys. Job done. I'm glad to pay tax when I read about this sort of thing. Justice served by the SA80. No european court of whiners and liberal yellows here.

James, Dundee, Scotland

Good news. This'll make them think twice I'm sure.

Phill, The Wirral, England

Don't put British lives at risk. Challenge the ship and if it does not comply, sink it. Problem solved, not just for this week, but for the forseeable future. Man of Norfolk (Nelson's County)

Robert John Chamberlin, Norwich, England