Irish engineer on ship seized by pirates off Somalia

A Danish-owned tugboat with a British captain, Irish engineer and four Russian crew members was seized by pirates off Somalia today, the vessel’s owner said.

All those on board the Russian-built Svitzer Korsakov were believed to be unharmed, said Pat Adamson, a London-based spokesman for the Danish ship owner, Svitzer.

He said the ship was at anchor in Somali waters today, three days after it was hijacked off the north-eastern coast.

Mr Adamson said his company was in contact with the pirates and crew, and it appeared the crew were well.

“The morale is good. They’re getting sleep, they’re getting food. That’s where we are at the moment,” he said.

He declined to give any details on the negotiations with the pirates, citing concerns for the safety of the crew.