Pirates at war over ransom

TWO rival pirate gangs had a shootout over the ransom to free a supertanker, prompting one side to call the EU anti-piracy force for help.

Helicopters from a warship ended the stand-off by frightening off the attackers after the gang on board called for help.

The attack could have caused a catastrophic explosion aboard the Maran Centaurus, which was carrying about two million barrels of crude oil.

The ship was seized 800 miles off the Somali coast with a crew of 28 and its cargo, estimated to be worth €115 million.

The pirates onboard the ship then collected the $5.5m ransom, which was dropped from two planes.