The Indian-made dhow has been stuck off the shores of Shihr, in Hadramawt, since Thursday night, the official said.

"The 12 sailors, all Indian nationals, are in good health" and still aboard the ship, said the official in remarks carried by the defence ministry's news website 26sep.net.

Media reports had said some of the crew died and other said the dhow had sunk.

But the official said that the ship's cargo is being unloaded while officials have launched an investigation into the incident.

The vessel, owned by a merchant from Hadramawt, was carrying tyres, mattresses and food supplies, from the United Arab Emirates to nearby Mukalla.

Honduran soldiers join UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti
Tegucigalpa (AFP) Feb 01, 2014 - An initial group of 37 Honduran soldiers joined United Nations peacekeeping forces in Haiti on Friday with more troops to follow, officials said.

The Honduran military is supporting UN peacekeeping missions in Haiti as the poorest country in the Americas grapples with political instability.

"We are proud to know that Honduras is accounted for in integrating in these missions," Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Fredy Diaz told reporters after the soldiers' departure.

The Honduran Congress approved sending some 150 soldiers to Haiti on December 18. The remaining troops are due to be deployed by Tuesday.

The soldiers are being funded by the UN, with each receiving $1,096 a month for personal expenses and clothing.

Haiti marked four years earlier this month since a violent earthquake shattered the impoverished nation, which is still struggling to recover from the widespread devastation that killed 250,000 people.

Haiti has also seen an increase in anti-government protests, some breaking out into violent clashes.

Protesters have called for the resignation of President Michel Martelly, who has been in office since 2011, and are also demanding better living conditions.

Plans to rebuild the capital Port-au-Prince have been presented to the public, but the construction has yet to take place.