WAM Abu Dhabi, May 22nd, 2012 (WAM) -- The Abu Dhabi Federal Criminal Court of First Instance today sentenced to life imprisonment following deportation to ten pirates found guilty of hijacking MV Arrilah-I.

The court also ordered confiscation of all arms and ammunition used in hijacking of the ship.

The bulk carrier was loaded with aluminium en route from Australia to Jebel Ali on 1 April when the pirates hijacked it.

A special counter-terrorism unit, in coordination with US Fifth fleet, liberated the vessel next day.

WAM/ES/AM