US planes, warship watching over pirated vessel

[April 09, 2009]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. Navy is keeping a close watch on the still unfolding pirate drama off the coast of Somalia, using P-3 Orion surveillance aircraft and other equipment.

Defense officials have video of the scene where pirates are holding the American captain of a U.S.-flag ship hijacked Wednesday.

One Pentagon official, speaking on grounds of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation, described the incident now as a "standoff." And none wanted to talk about what plans they have for trying to bring the hijacking to an end.

An official said the destroyer USS Bainbridge, which has sped to the scene, is close enough for the pirates to see. There are other vessels on the seas in the area. But it's unclear whether any are the so-called "mother ship" that pirates use to drop them off at hijacking sites.

[Associated Press; By PAULINE JELINEK]

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