Pirates threaten to kill Ukrainian sailors

Negotiations with Somali pirates, holding the Ukrainian vessel Faina hostage are continuing, according to Ukraine's Foreign Ministry. There are reports the pirates could kill the crew on Thursday.

Faina's owner has hired a legal firm to conduct negotiations with the pirates.

On Monday, the U.S. Navy surrounding the ship, released photos showing the crew, which consists of 17 Ukranians, two Russians and one Latvian.

The vessel, hi-jacked almost a month ago, is carrying 33 Ukrainian tanks and other military equipment and the pirates are demanding an $US 8 million ransom.