The Algerians are coming back to a coastal village in Co Cork, but this time they’re far more friendly than their ancestors, who were involved in an infamous visit.

Pirates have seized a small boat and kidnapped its 11 Indian crew members off the coast of Somalia, an investigator said, the latest vessel targeted by the region's resurgent hijackers.

Somali pirates who seized an oil tanker have opened fire on naval troops from the semi-autonomous state of Puntland, sparking clashes between the two sides, an official said.

Latest: Families of the Sri Lankan crew members held captive on an oil tanker are appealing to Somali pirates to release the men unharmed.

Pirates have hijacked an oil tanker off the coast of Somalia in the first attack on a large commercial vessel there since 2012.