Shipboard Fire

A Somali pirate claims a fire is tearing through a hijacked ship that pirates are holding off the country’s coast.

The pirate said an undisclosed number of pirates and hostages were forced to abandon the bulk cargo carrier “MV Orna”. Abdi said it is believed the fire was caused by an electrical problem in the ship’s galley.

Plumes of smoke were said to be rising over the ship as the fire moved through it.