A Bermuda flagged vessel was captured by pirates yesterday.

Last night the Department of Maritime Administration confirmed the refrigerated cargo vessel M.V. Talca was hijacked off the coast of Oman while on a voyage from Egypt to Iran with a cargo of citrus.

The Talca's managers, based in London, spoke briefly with the chief engineer by telephone who confirmed there were pirates on board but said his 21 crew members were safe.

At present the vessel is currently being shadowed by a US warship.

Premier Ewart Brown, Minister of Transport, said last night: "It is our hope that this situation is resolved swiftly and without loss of life or injury to the crew of the Talca.

It is not yet known what, if any, responsibility Bermuda has as the ship's registered home.

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