A North-American surf journalist, has been kidnapped by 15 Somali pirates, in the Galmadug region of Somalia.
The US writer was abducted by a group of armed men driving two Land Cruisers and led by Ali Duulaaye, a commander of the Sa'ad clan. Mohamed Garfanje, another Somali pirate, is in charge of the negotiations for the release of the surf journalist.
Local authorities are trying to free the hostage, although Somali pirates accuse the surf journalist of spying the activities of illegal group in the Mudug region.
The ransom is being discussed and there are two more hostages from the crew of the FV Aride kept imprisoned. Recently, Somalia has made the news for the consecutive attacks of pirates on foreigners.
The surf journalist is the author of the surf book "Sweetness and Blood: How Surfing Spread From Hawaii and California to the Rest of the World, With Some Unexpected Results".
Moore was born in Redondo Beach, California. He writes for several newspapers, magazines and blogs. His blog is "Radio Free Mike". If you have information that may lead to the release of the surf journalist, please contact the US authorities.