Pirates say the captured yacht is expected to make landfall in Somalia, which would reduce the chances of a fast rescue dramatically.
The hijack mirrors the ordeal of British couple Paul and Rachel Chandler whose yacht was captured by pirates. They were held hostage in a stiflingly hot Somali region for 388 days and were released in November.
Pirates captured the Americans' yacht Quest on Friday, two days after a Somali pirate
was sentenced to 33 years in prison by a New York court for the 2009 hijacking of the Maersk Alabama. That case ended in a spectacular rescue when navy sharpshooters killed two pirates holding the ship's captain, Richard Phillips.The Quest is the home of Jean and Scott Adam from California, who have been sailing around the world since December 2004, according to a website the Adams keep. Two other Americans were also believed to be on board."
