Three Dutch marines captured during rescue in Libya

Talks are under way to free three Dutch marines captured in Libya as they tried to evacuate foreign citizens, the Netherlands' defence ministry says.

The three landed by helicopter near the port of Sirte on Sunday, flying in from the Dutch warship Tromp, which is anchored off the Libyan coast.

"Intensive negotiations" were under way, a ministry spokesman said.

The ministry was in contact with the marines who were "doing well under the circumstances", he added.