Ship home after tackling pirates

A Devon-based frigate has returned to port after a six-month deployment. HMS Northumberland was carrying out humanitarian duties and was on counter-piracy mission Operation Atalanta as part of a European Union naval force. While at sea, the 4,800-tonne, Type 23 frigate escorted ships along a 1,500-mile (2,400km) length of Somalia’s coastline and helped tackle pirates. Commanding Officer Martin Simpson said the crew had “many successes”. The 185-strong crew now has four weeks’ leave.