The crew of the Belize-flagged cargo ship MV Faina stand on the deck after a U.S. Navy request to check on their health and welfare off the coast of Somalia, November 9, 2008. (U.S. Navy/Mass communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason R. Zalasky/Handout/Reuters)From News.com.au:
SOMALI pirates holding a huge oil-laden Saudi tanker have vowed to fight back should any assault be attempted to free the ship and urged its owners to pay a $US25 million ($41 million) ransom.
As world powers rushed naval forces to Somalia's dangerous waters amid growing concerns of major disruptions to international trade, the pirates consolidated their land base with more men and weapons.
Speaking to AFP from the pirate lair of Harardhere, a member of the group holding the Sirius Star said there was no plan to destroy the super-tanker or harm its crew but warned any military bid to free it would be "disastrous".
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Update: Somali rebels take steps to attack tanker pirates -- Yahoo News/Reuters