By Hassan Barise BBC, Mogadishu

The vessel, the Aamir, was reportedly hijacked in a region off Puntland, which is notorious for piracy.

There have been a number of boat hijacks in recent times of vessels carrying commodities over from the Gulf states.

According to businessmen in Mogadishu, the Aamir started its journey in the United Arab Emirates bound for Mogadishu and the southern port town of Kismaiyu.

$100,000 ransom

Following severe weather conditions, the ship had to break its journey on the Puntland Coast.

The vessel, which was carrying over 2,200 metric tons of miscellaneous commodities, from foodstuffs to cosmetics, was attacked by freelance gangs in fishing boats.

Some of the attacks take place at sea

Reports reaching Mogadishu say the gunmen numbering about 10 have demanded a ransom before they will give the boat back.

Unconfirmed reports say the gunmen have asked for US $100,000 for the release of the vessel, and talks are still continuing.

But it is believed that the gunmen will settle for rather less than that.

Since Aamir is transporting local business commodities, the agreed ransom is not expected to be as high.

I understand that elders and businessmen from Nugal region are trying to mediate in the case, but have not yet been able to secure direct talks with the gunmen.

Other reports say the number of militiamen involved in the hijacking has now doubled after other gunmen boarded the ship.

They have forced the captain of the vessel to move to a remote area known as Deynkudha.

Businessmen from Mogadishu and Bossaso are said to be working together for the safe release of the vessel.

However, the monsoon winds pounding the east coast of Africa may hamper the ship's journey to Mogadishu when it is released.

According to the latest reports from Puntland, all of the crewmen and the captain of the vessel are in good shape - but there is concern that the vessel is running out of drinking water.