Pirates remain in charge near Somali

A U.S. warship has reportedly opened fire on Somali pirates who have taken a crew, including four Russians, hostage. Somali officials say the incident took place on Monday as the hijackers of a Danish-owned tug boat attempted to re-supply.

The tug boat 'Svitzer Korsakov' was seized 11 days ago – as well as the Russian crew, one Briton and an Irishman onboard.

The vessel was on its way to Russia's Far Eastern island of Sakhalin from St. Petersburg via Singapore when it was captured in the early afternoon of February 1.

The ship's owners say the latest round of ransom talks with the captors has been successful but have declined to comment further.

The crew members are reported are reportedly unharmed and have enough food supplies onboard.