Supertanker owner works for crew's release

MOGADISHU, Somalia, Nov. 18 (UPI) -- The Saudi owners of a oil supertanker hijacked off Somalia say they are working for the release and safe return of its crew.

Vela International, a subsidiary of the Saudi Arabian oil company Saudi Aramco, issued a statement from Dubai Tuesday confirming the 1,080-foot Sirius Star had been seized 480 miles off the coast of Somalia and that it was "awaiting further contact from the pirates in control of the vessel," The New York Times reported.

Citing unnamed sources, the newspaper said the vessel was believed to have put down anchor off Somalia with its cargo of more than $100 million in oil.

Vela International President and Chief Executive Officer Salah Ka'aki did not indicate in the statement if negotiations with the pirates were under way, saying only that the company's "first and foremost priority is ensuring the safety of the crew."

"We are in communication with their families and are working toward their safe and speedy return," Ka'aki said, adding that the crew is composed of two British, two Polish, one Croatian, one Saudi and 19 Philippines nationals, the Times reported.