Two hostages died after a Danish warship confronted a pirate vessel off the coast of Somalia, the Danish Navy has said.
An operation was launched late on Sunday (local time) to rescue 18 hostages from the vessel, but two of the captives died shortly afterward, according to the navy’s operational command.
Service members on the Absalon warship had been watching the pirate vessel for several days before the raid took place.
When the ship tried to escape, after ignoring the Absalon’s warning shots, the Danish team fired on the vessel.
The warship’s crew then took control of the ship after 17 suspected pirates surrendered.
Two of the hostages were found critically injured on board and given urgent medical assistance, but lost their lives.
It is not known what caused their injuries, the Danish Navy stated.
An investigation has been launched into the incident.