The pirate-hostage crisis came to a close off the coast of Somalia today, the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips ending an international crisis that has thrown new light on the increasing threat of high-seas piracy. Look for Phillips to have a blast of talk-show, magazine-cover fame not seen since the days of “Sully” Sullenberger. CBS News/AP reported as follows:
The U.S. Navy has rescued the American sea captain held by Somali pirates following what appeared to be a swift firefight off the coast of Somalia Sunday.
Shots were fired, reports CBS News correspondent Kimberly Dozier, but hostage Richard Phillips is safe and has been transported to the USS Bainbridge, unharmed and in good condition.
An official said three of the four pirates holding Phillips were killed and one was injured.
A senior U.S. intelligence official said a pirate who had been involved in negotiations to free Capt. Phillips but who was not on the lifeboat was in custody.
A government official and others in Somalia with knowledge of the situation had reported hours earlier that negotiations for Phillips’ release had broken down.
This article appears in Apr 8-14, 2009.
