Somali Pirates Hijack 4 Americans

Somali pirates yesterday hijacked a yacht with four Americans aboard, in likely retaliation for the 33-year prison sentence this week of a pirate in the hijacking of the US vessel Maersk Alabama. The yacht Quest belongs to missionaries Jean and Scott Adam, who have been sailing around the world since 2004, distributing Bibles as they go, reports the AP. A Somali pirate told the AP earlier this week that Americans would see "regrettable consequences" for the sentencing of their compatriot.

"All relevant U.S. agencies are monitoring the situation, working to develop further information, assess options and possible responses," says a spokesman at the US embassy in neighboring Kenya. The Adams maintain a website here. (More pirates stories.)