A South African yachtsman has been rescued by European naval forces after his yacht and crew were kidnapped by pirates.

Details are sparse, but it would appear, according to reports, that the yacht was hijacked off the Kenyan coast.

The European Union’s anti-piracy force (EUNAVFOR) said a French
warship went to investigate the yacht as it was sailing suspiciously
close to the coast.

“Upon approaching, the team came under fire from the yacht
and a Mayday call was received, making it clear pirates were on board
and the crew of three were under their control,” Navfor said in a
statement on Monday.

The vessel later ran aground and the pirates took two crew members ashore, but the captain refused to leave. He was later rescued and has been taken to Nairobi, Kenya.

The identities of the hostages have not been released, but reports in the South African media suggest
they are a couple who set sail for Madagascar a year ago and were on
their way home via East Africa.