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

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