IRNA - Foreign Ministry spokesman said the case of the Iranian fishermen still held captive by the Somali pirates is being investigated by several Iranian government bodies.

Speaking in a press conference on Monday, Bahram Qasemi said at least 37 Iranian fishermen were held captive by Somali pirates in 2015.

He added several of them managed to escape, some died and eight of them are still captured by Somali pirates.

Qasemi reiterated that the case is still open, but it is very complicated and is being followed up by various Iranian organizations.

He also expressed hope that the Iranian fishermen could be freed from the Somali kidnappers as soon as possible.

Touching upon the recent hijacking of an Iranian vessel in Somali waters, he added the case is being investigated.

�We think all the crew members of the vessel are not Iranian nationals,� Qasemi added.