WASHINGTON A U.S. official said today the crew of an American-flagged vessel hijacked off the coast of Somalia has retaken control of the ship and has one pirate in custody.

The official said the status of the other pirates is unknown, but they were reported to "be in the water." The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

The ship was captured today by pirates near the coast of Somalia, in what is believed to be the first hostage-taking of American sailors in 200 years.

By The Associated Press