British cargo ship seized by pirates

(CNN) - A British-owned cargo ship Monday became the latest vessel to be seized by Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden.

The 32,000-ton Malaspina Castle was taken early Monday and was believed to be heading towards Somalia's pirate-infested coast, the European Union's Horn of Africa maritime security center said.

"Few details are known at this stage, but the mixed-nationality crew is believed to be safe," a statement on the London-based organization's Web site said.

The vessel, which is operated by an Italian company, carried a crew of 24, from Bulgaria, Ukraine, Russia and the Philippines, Britain's Telegraph newspaper reported.

"There have not yet been communications from the Malaspina Castle that we are aware of, so information is limited," said Andrew Mwangura of the Seafarers' Assistance Program in quotes carried by the Telegraph.

He added: "It is likely to be being taken towards the Somali coast and negotiations will begin soon."