Somali pirates threaten hostage lives

BARGAL, Somalia, June 3 (UPI) -- Hijackers of a Dutch freighter off the coast of Somalia are threatening to kill the crew if rescuers storm the ship.

The Somali radio station Garowe reported Tuesday the pirates, who boarded the freighter Sunday, said they would execute four Russian officers and five Filipino sailors on board if Somali soldiers approach. The Amiya Scan is currently at anchor off northern Somalia near the port of Bargal.

While the impasse continues, the U.N. Security Council has adopted a resolution calling on nations to deploy ships and planes in collaboration with the Somali government to hunt down pirates operating in Somali waters.