Somali Pirates Seize Tanker Off Oman

MUSCAT, Oman -- Maritime officials say suspected Somali pirates off the Omani coast have seized control of a tanker with 21 Indian crew members aboard.

The officials say Oman naval vessels are following the tanker, Fairchem Bogey, which was commandeered Saturday off the southern coast of Oman near the port of Salalah. The Mumbai-operated tanker can carry oil and chemicals.

The maritime officials spoke on condition of anonymity in line with rules to brief the media.

Somali pirates have expanded their range in recent months to target ships along the coast of Oman on the Arabian Peninsula.