Seizing The Sosan

The North Korean captain of the Sosan initially told Spanish officials the ship was carrying cement, but a subsequent search revealed 15 missiles and other sophisticated weaponry according to Spanish Defense Minister Federico Trillo.

Spanish sailors point their rifles at the unflagged ship Sosan after the crew of the Sosan refused to identify themselves.

Seizing The Sosan

A Spanish soldier is lowered from a helicopter as others take positions aboard the unflagged ship Sosan, 600 miles off the Horn of Africa, after the crew of the Sosan refused to identify themselves Monday, Dec. 9, 2002.

Spanish sailors prepare to board the Sosan.

Sacks of cement aboard the unflagged ship Sosan proved to be merely a cover for 15 missiles and other weapons.

Spanish Defense Minister Federico Trillo addresses the press at the Defense Ministry in Madrid Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2002. Trillo said the ship was handed over to U.S. authorities and was now headed to the Diego Garcia military base in the Indian Ocean