11 Somali pirates who were using a mother boat and two accompanying skiffs were seized by French navy while they were trying to attack French oceanographic vessel.

The ministry said the pirates were sailing about 180 nautical miles east of Mogadishu.

Another three suspected pirate boats were held about 90 nautical miles to the south. Another statement from the ministry said the pirates were being held on board the Nivose.

Another seven Somali pirates were captured by a Turkish frigate Gemlik, Istanbul media reports. The frigate Gemlik which is operating in the Gulf of Aden has arrested suspects in their boat.

Somali bandits have made tens of millions of dollars for ransom payment. Last year, pirates made over $60 million for a ransom payment after they took nearly 47 vessels and 300 crews.