The U.S. Navy detained suspected pirates off the Seychelles Thursday after exchanging fire..

The USS Nicholas is seen in this photo taken April 27, 2007. The warship detained suspected pirates off the Seychelles Thursday after exchanging fire, sinking a skiff and capturing a suspected mother ship, according to the Pentagon.

Less than two hours later, Nicholas personnel boarded the disabled skiff and detained three people. The boarding team found ammunition and multiple cans of fuel on board. After taking the suspected pirates on board, the warship sank the disabled skiff.

The warship then captured a mother ship, detaining two more suspected pirates. They would remain in U.S. custody on board the warship until a determination was made regarding their disposition, officials said.

The Nicholas, home-ported in Norfolk, Virginia, is supporting U.S. Naval Forces Africa, the naval component of U.S. Africa Command, according to the Pentagon.

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet