Pirates have used rocket-propelled grenades and automatic weapons to attack another US merchant ship off the coast of Somalia.
Pirates have used rocket-propelled grenades and automatic weapons to attack another US merchant ship off the coast of Somalia.
The pirates damaged the Liberty Sun, which was carrying a cargo of food aid, but were not able to board it.
The ship asked for assistance from the American warship involved in the rescue of a US captain seized last week.
Pirates have vowed to avenge the deaths of those killed in recent rescue operations by US and French forces.
The latest attack shows the defiance and danger posed by pirates off the Somali coast.
Despite renewed US calls to quell piracy, four more vessels have been successfully seized over the past two days.
Details of attack
Owners of the Liberty Sun and the US military confirmed reports of the latest, failed attack, which took place on Tuesday at midday local time.
After coming under fire, the Liberty Sun immediately requested assistance from the USS Bainbridge, said owners Liberty Maritime Corp in a statement.
The navy destroyer arrived some hours later, by which time the pirates had gone.
"We are grateful and pleased that no-one was injured and the crew and the ship are safe," said the Liberty Maritime Corp statement.
The ship did sustain some damage, it said, but was able to resume its journey to Mombasa.
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