Stafford sea captain in pirate rescue drama

A sea captain from Staffordshire has helped in the rescue of an Italian cargo ship in the Indian Ocean after it was attacked by pirates.

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Fort Victoria, under the command of 53-year-old Capt Shaun Jones, from Haughton, near Stafford, rescued the cargo ship, off the coast of Somalia.

Pirates grabbed the ship on Monday, but the crew took refuge in a secure area and called for help.

Capt Jones and his ship's crew of 250 joined with forces from the US Navy and rescued the crew after the 11 pirates on board surrendered and were arrested.