NORFOLK, Va. — Members of Capt. Richard Phillips’ crew have hailed their leader for saving them and their ship, but the skipper insists it’s the U.S. Navy and other rescuers who deserve to be called heroes.
“I’m just the byline. The heroes are the Navy, the SEALs and those that have brought me home,” the shipping captain told his boss, Maersk Line Limited chief executive John Reinhart, who relayed the phone message to reporters after Phillips was liberated Sunday.
“Richard exemplifies some of the best traditions and behaviors and skills of an American merchant mariner,” he said. “He’s a leader of men. He’s a brave and courageous man.”
Related news
U.S. weighs its legal options
WASHINGTON — The Justice Department was considering whether to prosecute the surviving Somali pirate in Washington or New York.
Both piracy and hostage- taking carry life sentences under U.S. law.
Navy Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, said the disposition of the captured pirate had yet to be determined.
Washington federal courts normally handle cases involving crimes against U.S. citizens abroad. But the FBI office in New York takes the lead when crimes are committed against U.S. citizens in Africa. The U.S. is treating the matter as a criminal case because officials have found no direct ties between East African pirates and terror groups. Because the U.S. is not at war with Somalia, piracy cases are governed by U.S. and international law.
Crew rejoices at news
MOMBASA, Kenya — The Maersk Alabama crew erupted in celebration when news of his release came through. Two flares were fired in the air and the ship’s horn sounded. Nine crew members came to the stern, pumping their fists skyward, one of them wrapped in a U.S. flag.
“I just want to make one thing clear — we never lost control of this ship,” said a crewman. “It’s our ship.”
He said pirates had been circling the ship for days before the attack.
