MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Two pirates and a Somalia official say a hijacked yacht with four Americans onboard is nearing the Somali coast, and that it’s being shadowed by a warship.
The three say the yacht Quest is in the waters between Yemen and northern Somalia. One pirate gave his name as Bile Hussein, the second gave his name only as Hassan, who said he is in contact with pirates on the Quest. The Puntland official asked not to be named because he wasn’t authorized to speak publicly.
Hussein said a warship with a helicopter on its deck is near the Quest.
Four Americans sailing around the world are aboard the yacht, which was hijacked off Oman on Friday. If they are taken to land, it would likely lengthen their hostage ordeal considerably.
