an american - funded tugboat from italy along with its 16 member team was boarded circa 11 am eastern on sabbath in the gulf of aden . the italian diplomat , pierandrea magistrati , stated that " there is a craft that has been commandeered , i assume by somali pirates . " likewise , sotho lowe , a spokeswoman at america ' s northwood maritime commission center reported that the us - flagged tugboat was hijacked this morning off of oman ' s northern beach . lowe also alleged that indian administration agents along with the company that owning the crewmen were aiming to ensure the release of the crew , ten of which were americans .
The Gulf of Aden is located along the northern coast of Somalia.