As of February 15 -- the most recent statistic posted on the International Maritime Bureau 's website , pirates were holding 33 vessels and 712 hostages . NEW YORK (AP) — Four Americans were killed after pirates hijacked their vessel . Negotiations for their release had been under way , involving the FBI . Two pirates had boarded a U.S. Navy ship Monday for talks .
NEW YORK (AP) — Four Americans were killed after pirates hijacked their vessel . Negotiations for their release had been under way , involving the FBI . Two pirates had boarded a U.S. Navy ship Monday for talks .