• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, April 13, 2009

In the wake of the dramatic rescue of an American sea captain from Somali pirates over the weekend, the Spike network said it is developing a reality series about the Navy's efforts to combat piracy in the waters off the African coast.

Spike said it has committed to produce a pilot carrying the title "Pirate Hunters: USN," which will offer an "up close" look at Navy operations. The weekend rescue via sniper fire was carried out by Navy SEALS.

The hostage-taking of the American captain garnered headlines around the world, but it was just the latest of many hijackings by Somali pirates, which have been escalating over the past year. The criminal activity is costly -- both for international trade and the safety of commercial vessels.

Spike said it has partnered with production house 44 Blue Productions, which has produced reality series for A&E and TLC. The network said it will receive special "in-depth" access from the Navy aboard two warships patrolling the region for the series.

Rasha Drachkovitch, president and founder of 44 Blue Productions, said the goal of "Pirate Hunters: USN" is to "highlight the heroic work undertaken by the U.S. Navy every day in the fight against terrorism."