The New Nation - Internet Edition

AP, Kuala Lumpur

A maritime official says a Malaysian naval helicopter has saved an Indian ship from pirates in the Gulf of Aden off Somalia.

Noel Choong of the International Maritime Bureau's piracy reporting center said pirates on two speed boats attacked the tanker early Thursday but fled when the Malaysian helicopter arrived on the scene.

He says the pirates came close to the ship and started firing machine guns, hitting the bridge.

Choong says the tanker's captain increased speed, took evasive maneuvers and broadcast an alert, which was conveyed to a Malaysian frigate nearby.

He says the frigate dispatched a helicopter, which scared the pirates away without firing a shot. There were no injuries on board the tanker.