THE HAGUE, Netherlands – A Defense Ministry spokesman says three Dutch marines are being held by authorities in Libya after they were captured by forces loyal to Moammar Gadhafi while trying to rescue Dutch workers.

Ministry spokesman Otte Beeksma tells The Associated Press the three were captured Sunday after landing in Sirte in a Lynx helicopter that was on board the navy ship HMS Tromp, which is anchored off the Libyan coast to help evacuations from the conflict torn country.

Beeksma said Thursday "intensive negotiations" are under way with Gadhafi's government to secure the marines' release.