WASHINGTON ( CNN ) -- Pirates holding a Taiwanese-flagged ship off the coast of Somalia fired on a U.S. Navy helicopter Wednesday as the aircraft monitored the ship , the Navy said . The Maersk Alabama was targeted in an April hijacking that ended with Navy snipers killing three pirates . The helicopter was not struck and all crew members were safe after the incident , the Navy said in a news release . The incident highlights the ongoing piracy problem in that region even as U.S. and coalition ships patrol the waters to deter pirates . Somali pirates hijacked the M/V Win Far on April 6 . Navy officials said the vessel is being used as a `` mother ship , '' or a floating base , to launch attacks on other ships , including the U.S.-flagged Maersk Alabama . The Alabama was targeted by pirates in an April hijacking that ended with U.S. Navy snipers shooting dead three pirates who were holding the captain of the ship hostage . According to the Navy 's news release Thursday , the flight crew on the SH-60 helicopter `` noticed activity '' on the ship but could not determine if the pirates had fired at them . When the helicopter returned to the USS Chancellorsville , a review of its infrared camera showed the aircraft was fired on . The helicopter did not return fire , according to the release . Since the start of the year , dozens of ships have been attacked or hijacked , according to statistics from the International Maritime Bureau , an organization that monitors piracy around the world .
Helicopter was not struck , all crew members safe . The helicopter is a Bell 206 and the pilot has been identified as Capt. Navy says it is being used as a `` mother ship '' to launch attacks on other ships .