There has been a shoot-out between Somali pirates on a hijacked cargo ship loaded with 33 tanks, the East African Seafarers' Association says.
The maritime group's Andrew Mwangura told the BBC three men where shot in a row over tactics.
Pirates seized the Ukranian ship last week and have demanded a $20m (Ј11m) ransom to release it.
Mr Mwangura said the situation is very tense with the ship, the Faina, surrounded by US navy vessels.
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One of the ship's 21 crew is reported to have died from an illness on board.
Somalia has been without a functioning central government for 17 years and has suffered continual civil strife, with rival armed groups fighting for control.
The waters off the country's coast are considered some of the world's most dangerous.
(BBC)
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