France's military is keeping a close eye on the French luxury yacht La Ponant which was seized by pirates off Somalia's coast yesterday.

French Prime Minister Francois Fillon said officials were "following the hostage situation minute by minute." 

"We are in constant contact with the ship owner, and our priority is to protect the lives of the people on board," Fillon said. "All channels of discussion are open to try to resolve this case by trying not to use force."

The crew of La Ponant includes 22 French citizens, including six women, according to French Defense Minister Herve Morin.

About 10 attackers continued to guide the boat south along Somalia's eastern coast.

A French frigate, Le Commandant Bouan, was temporarily diverted from NATO duties and was tracking the yacht. An airplane dispatched from a French base in Djibouti flew over the yacht and all was calm aboard, military spokesman Cmdr. Christophe Prazuck said.