Pirates by Oman

Suspected Somali pirates have seized a ship in Oman's territorial waters:

"Suspected Somali pirates have seized a cargo ship off the coast of Oman, a spokesperson for NATO said - in an incident which appears to mark a significant expansion in the area where Somali pirates operate.

"A spokesperson for NATO's command in Northwood, Britain, said the MV Charelle, owned by a German shipping firm, was taken on Friday by eight pirates.

"The ship was flying under an Antigua and Barbuda flag...

"If the attack was carried out by Somali pirates, it will mark the furthest the criminal gangs have ventured from the Somali coast."