Experts suggest the pirates have become more organised deploying at least one "mother ship" from which attacks can be launched across the Gulf of Guinea.

BBC: Surviving the pirates off the coast of Nigeria

China is also reportedly close to deploying its first aircraft carrier, a refitted ex-Soviet ship.

ECONOMIST: Wary detente between China and America: Another go at being friends | The

We're also deploying a Marine Expeditionary Unit, the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, and the Navy's hospital ship, the Comfort.

WHITEHOUSE: Haiti Earthquake Relief Update