Somali Pirates kill all four American hostages aboard the Yacht S/V Quest

Somali Pirates kill all four American hostages aboard the Yacht S/V Quest- All Pirates were killed or captured

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

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U.S. Forces Respond To Gunfire Aboard The S/V Quest

CENTCOM Public Affairs

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

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At approximately 1 a.m. EST today, while negotiations were ongoing to secure the release of four American hostages, U.S. forces responded to gunfire aboard the pirated vessel (S/V) Quest. As they responded to the gunfire, reaching and boarding the Quest, the forces discovered all four hostages had been shot by their captors. Despite immediate steps to provide life-saving care, all four hostages ultimately died of their wounds.

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“We express our deepest condolences for the innocent lives callously lost aboard the Quest,” said Gen James N. Mattis, U.S. Central Command Commander.

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During the boarding of the Quest, the reaction force was engaged by pirates on board the vessel. Two pirates died during the confrontation and 13 were captured and detained along with two pirates already in US Forces custody. The US Forces also found the remains of two other pirates already dead aboard the Quest.  In total, it is believed 19 pirates were involved in the hijacking of the S/V Quest.

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US Forces have been closely monitoring the S/V Quest for approximately 3 days, once it became known to be pirated. Four U.S. Navy warships comprised the response force dedicated to recovering the S/V Quest: the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65), the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), the guided-missile destroyers USS Sterett (DDG 104) and USS Bulkeley (DDG 84). The ships are deployed to the region to conduct maritime security operations and to provide support to operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.

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Questions can be addressed to U.S. Central Command at 813-827-5895

- Press Release by CENTCOM -

U.S. Navy file photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jared M. King
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U.S. Navy: 4 American Hostages Killed by Pirates

About this News Video: Four Americans taken hostage by Somali pirates off East Africa were shot and killed by their captors Monday, the U.S. military said, the first time that sea bandits have killed U.S. Hostages. (Feb. 22)

This video posted on YouTube by AssociatedPress.

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Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and all their families, friends and loved ones

AubreyJ.........