The U.S. cargo ship Maersk Alabama arrives in the Kenyan port of Mombasa after its second hijack drama this year.

The vessel came under attack on Wednesday as suspected Somali pirates opened fire on it with automatic weapons.

The European Union Naval Force operating in the Indian Ocean says a security detachment on board the container ship fired back.

The vessel was able to escape the gunmen with no reported casualties.

In April the U.S. Navy brought back the bodies of three pirates killed when they launched a rescue operation to free the Maersk Alabama's captain.

Captain Richard Phillips was being held in a lifeboat after volunteering to stay with the gang in return for the safety of his crew.

The crew regained control of their ship after they fought back against the hijackers.

The sole survivor of the gang holding their captain was taken to the United States to face trial on charges including piracy and kidnapping.