American captain freed from Somali pirates
From Wikinews, the free news source you can write!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
- 11 December 2009: Somali pirates release Greek-owned ship
- 3 December 2009: At least fifteen killed after suicide bombing in Somali hotel
- 1 December 2009: Somali pirates seize Greek-owned tanker
- 19 November 2009: Somali pirates attack US-flagged ship, vessel evades capture
- 18 November 2009: European Union to train Somali security forces
Captain Richard Phillips of the American cargo ship Maersk Alabama has been freed from Somali pirates after being held hostage for four days. The U.S. Navy reports three of the four pirates were killed in a short gun battle with Navy SEALs, with the fourth being taken into custody.
Image: US Navy.
Phillips was removed to the USS Bainbridge, a Navy warship, before being flown to another, the USS Boxer, where he was examined and is said to be in good health. Talks between the Navy and pirates were not going well prior to the short battle.
"The negotiations between the elders and American officials have broken down. The reason is American officials wanted to arrest the pirates in Puntland and elders refused the arrest of the pirates," said an official involved.
The FBI announced it was opening an investigation into the hijacking of the Maersk Alabama, which arrived at its original destination of Mombasa, Kenya on Saturday.
"We are all absolutely thrilled to learn that Richard is safe and will be re-united with his family," John Reinhart, CEO of the Maersk Line said. "Maersk Line Limited is deeply grateful to the Navy, the FBI and so many others for their tireless efforts to secure Richard's freedom."
Related news
- "Somali pirates demand $2 million ransom for US captain held hostage". Wikinews, April 11, 2009
- "US crew retakes ship hijacked by pirates; captain held hostage". Wikinews, April 8, 2009
Sources
- "U.S. Navy rescues captain held by pirates". MSNBC, April 12, 2009
- "American captain rescued, pirates killed, U.S. official says". CNN, April 12, 2009
- "US captain released from pirates". BBC News Online, April 12, 2009
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