The U.S. Navy is keeping a close watch on the still unfolding pirate drama off the coast of Somalia, using P-3 Orion surveillance aircraft and other equipment.

Defense officials have video of the scene where pirates are holding the American captain of a U.S-flag ship hijacked Wednesday.

One Pentagon official, speaking on grounds of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation, described the incident now as a "standoff." And none wanted to talk about what plans they have for trying to bring the hijacking to an end.

An official said the destroyer USS Bainbridge, which has sped to the scene, is close enough for the pirates to see. There are other vessels on the seas in the area. But it's unclear whether any are the so-called "mother ship" that pirates use to drop them off at hijacking sites.

The father of a crew member on an American cargo ship that was hijacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia says the vessel is headed to a Kenyan port with an armed guard of 18.

Joseph Murphy, whose son Shane Murphy is second in command on the U.S.-flagged Maersk Alabama, says he was told about the
development by company officials who are briefing families. Murphy says he estimates it will arrive in Mombasa, Kenya in about 50 hours. He said the company plans to put on a new crew at that time, and he expects his son could return home by early next week.

A Navy team is reportedly on board the pirated ship.