The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) estimates that 53 ships were hijacked worldwide in 2010 and says a record 1, 181 hostages were taken.

BBC: MEPs urge release of Italian soldiers

The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) is advising ship-owners to adopt measure such as having look-outs or travelling at speeds which would allow them to outrun the pirates.

BBC: Q&A: Somali piracy

Assistant director of the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), Michael Howlett, said the 268 crew members aboard the 14 vessels now faced Christmas at sea, away from their families.

CNN: Hostages to spend Christmas with pirates

"We feel it is very important that the littoral countries take strong action against these criminals as soon as possible before the situation gets out of control, " said Pottengal Mukandan, the director of the International Maritime Bureau (IMB).

BBC: Surviving the pirates off the coast of Nigeria