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.