The presence of naval ships attached to the Somali navy have put our lives in danger, Captain of the hijacked ship S.A Nicholas told Ada Derana.

Speaking to Ada Derana, the Captain further requested the Sri Lankan Government to urge the Somali authorities to withdraw their ships from the area without any delay. Nicholas said that was the ultimatum given to them, and the pirates would only negotiate the situation with the shipping company after this demand is met.  

Foreign media reported earlier today that pirates on board the hijacked oil tanker anchored off the Somali coast have fired shots on maritime forces as well. 

Nicholas also went on to say a number of pirates have already boarded onto the ship. He added all the crew members on board are safe.

Meanwhile, Minister Mangala Samaraweera on Thursday said his officials were in conversation with Puntland authorities to ensure the crew’s safety. Deputy Foreign Minister Dr Harsha de Silva said he has spoken to the Chief of Staff of Puntland President and he has agreed to stop firing and allow negotiations.

Maritime police in Somalia’s semi-autonomous region of Puntland said on Thursday they would attack hijackers holding an oil tanker to free the vessel if efforts by local elders to get them to surrender did not work. Gunmen hijacked the small oil tanker Aris 13 on Monday and are demanding a ransom to release the ship and its eight Sri Lankan crew, said the EU Naval Force that patrols the waters off Somalia. It is the first ship to be seized since 2012.