Somali pirates took possession of the MV Marathon on May 7. The ship was sailing under the flag of the Dutch Antilles. In the ensuing gunfight one crewmember of the Dutch ship was killed, it was revealed on Tuesday. Another crewmember was injured.
The Dutch frigate De Zeven Provinciën, which is patrolling in the area, is helping the Marathon crew. They are receiving medical treatment on board their own ship and have been given new supplies. The frigate's presence is also meant to keep the Marathon from being hijacked again.
After the May 7 hijacking the ship was taken to Eyl in Puntland, and drawn-out negotiations over its release were held between the Somali pirates and the Dutch government. It is not known whether a ransom was paid. The Marathon was transporting a cargo of cokes, a coal product.
