NATO warship rescues Indian sailors freed by pirates

* 14 Indian sailors rescued off Somalia

* Sailors captured by pirates, held for 10 days

By Alison Bevege

ON BOARD NRP CORTE-REAL, June 13, (Reuters) - A NATO warship picked up fourteen Indian sailors off Somalia on Saturday, a day after they were freed by pirates who had beaten them during 10 days of captivity.

The pirates released the weakened crew of the dhow Vishvakalyan on Friday after stealing provisions and kit.

"They hit the crew all over, on the head, everywhere," the Vishvakalyan's captain, Ismail Abdurehman said.

The pirates took most of the seamen's belongings including radios, phones, television sets and presents bought for their families. The pirates left only three chickens and the dhow's cat.

International navies are patrolling the busy shipping lanes off Somalia to try and prevent hijacks that have worried shipping firms, driven up insurance costs and prompted some vessels to avoid the Gulf of Aden.