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Showdown Looms: Pirate Ships Head to Hijacking Site

Previously-captured boats carry 54 international hostages

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 10, 2009 8:44 AM CDT
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(Newser) – As bandits hold a US captain on a lifeboat in the Indian Ocean, their pirate colleagues are rushing to their aid with an international gallery of hostages, the AP reports. The bandits apparently fear being shot or arrested if they hand over the captain and are hoping to get support from their colleagues, who are using some 54 Russian, German, Filipino and other hostages as human shields.

Four ships earlier seized by pirates are reportedly headed toward the scene off Somalia. “All we need, first, is a safe route to escape with the captain, and then (negotiate) ransom later,” a pirate told the AP. Meanwhile, more US warships are on their way. “We want to ensure that we have all the capability that might be needed over the course of the coming days,” said Central Command chief David Petraeus.

Lea Coggio, the sister-in-law of Captain Richard Phillips, talks to the media at Philips home Underhill, Vt., Thursday, April 9, 2009.
Lea Coggio, the sister-in-law of Captain Richard Phillips, talks to the media at Philips home Underhill, Vt., Thursday, April 9, 2009.   (AP Photo/Toby Talbot)
A file photo of the USS Bainbridge, now at the scene.
A file photo of the USS Bainbridge, now at the scene.   (AP Photo U.S. Navy, Paul Farley)
Neighbors of Capt. Richard Phillips talk after hanging a bouquet of yellow flowers on a tree in his front yard in Underhill, Vt., yesterday.
Neighbors of Capt. Richard Phillips talk after hanging a bouquet of yellow flowers on a tree in his front yard in Underhill, Vt., yesterday.   (AP Photo/Toby Talbot)
This 1979 photo released by Massachusetts Maritime Academy shows Capt. Richard Phillips of Underhill, Vt., captain of the Maersk Alabama, a US-flagged cargo ship hijacked Wednesday.
This 1979 photo released by Massachusetts Maritime Academy shows Capt. Richard Phillips of Underhill, Vt., captain of the Maersk Alabama, a US-flagged cargo ship hijacked Wednesday.   (AP Photo/Massachusetts Maritime Academy)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
jaguarj
Apr 10, 2009 8:48 AM CDT
I doubt they give a rats ass about toxic waste. What BS. There must be alternate ways to clean up waste. They are just effing terrorists on the high seas.
AClotfelter
Apr 10, 2009 8:47 AM CDT
If that is the case, piracy is not the answer.
AClotfelter
Apr 10, 2009 6:03 AM CDT
Sorry, but all of these pirates need to be shot on sight...

FBI, Navy continue talks with pirates
Washington Post

An overview of the situation
Guardian (UK)

 
Somalia • Indian Ocean • pirates • US Navy • hostage • Richard Phillips

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