Muhyadin Ahmed Roble, AfricaNews reporter in Nairobi, Kenya
Somali pirates have hijacked an Indian ship off the coast of Somalia, a regional official said on Monday. Andrew Mwangura, the East African seafarers' assistance programme officer confirmed the vessel - Laxmi Sagar - was held on Sunday.
Mwangura said the association is receiving more information on the vessel. Mwangura told the media the vessel was taken on Sunday adding "we received the news today (Monday)".
He said the crew are Indians but could not confirm how many are they. Sources say the Indian boat often ply Saudi Arabia and the African coast.
Somali bandits have made tens of millions of dollars for ransom payment. The pirates currently have 11 ships and more than 280 hostages in their custody.
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