WASHINGTON, April 1 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Navy detained suspected pirates off the Seychelles Thursday after exchanging fire, sinking a skiff and capturing a suspected mother ship, according to the Pentagon.

While operating west of the Seychelles in international waters, sailors on board USS Nicholas, an Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate, reported taking fire just past midnight local time from a suspected pirate skiff and returned fire, pursuing the vessel until the disabled skiff stopped.

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.