**Indian authorities say they are trying to verify reports that Somali pirates have seized many Indian boats and more than 100 sailors off Somalia’s coast.**Crew members from an Indian ship recently released by pirates told naval officials that eight other Indian boats had been captured in the last few days.
It is unclear whether the vessels taken were fishing boats or cargo ships.
Piracy has made the seas off the Horn of Africa among the most dangerous in the world, despite naval patrols.
Attacks usually increase between March and May when the seas are calmer.
“This information was received as a report from [fishing boat] MV Arzoo, which was commandeered by some pirates,” navy spokesman, PBS Satish told AFP news agency.
The MV Arzoo was seized about two weeks ago before being released on Monday close to the Seychelles. This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.