French officials have said they have not wanted to use force in dealing with the situation, and French Prime Minister Francois Fillon explained: "Our priority is to protect the lives of the people on board."
Somali coastal waters are some of the most dangerous in the world, and pirates attacked over 25 ships last year.
The French coastal frigate Le Commandant Bouan is keeping track over the Ponant, a military spokesman has revealed.
The Ponant was on its way back to the Mediterranean from the Seychelles when the pirates boarded it. Its owners the shipping group CMA CGM have confirmed that one of their boats has been captured.
