Maersk Alabama standoff continues

Maersk Alabama standoff continues    The high seas hostage drama resulting from Wednesday’s hijacking of a U.S.-flag vessel with 20 U.S. crewmen off the Coast of Somalia continued overnight without resolution.
   A group of pirates are continuing to hold Capt. Richard Phillips of the Maersk Alabama at gunpoint in a lifeboat near the ship they had boarded Wednesday morning.
   The crewmembers had forced the pirates from the ship during the day, capturing one of pirates. But the criminals took Phillips with them as they fled the vessel.
   A U.S. Navy ship has arrived on the scene, Maersk Line Ltd. said.
   While details are sketchy, there are reports Phillips surrendered to the pirates to secure the safety of the crew. Later, the crew reportedly released the pirate they held as they negotiated Phillips’s release.

Related News •   Maersk: Vessel secured, crewman held hostage •   U.S.-flagged Maersk vessel hijacked

   “The current situation involving the Maersk Alabama has remained much the same throughout the night,” said Maersk Line in a statement issued Thursday morning. “The ship’s crewmembers have been accounted for and are safely aboard the vessel. However, the ship’s captain remains in the custody of the pirates, who departed in one of the ship’s encapsulated life boats on April 8.”
   Maersk Line, the U.S.-flag arm of A.P. Moller – Maersk, said, “Our main concern remains the safe return of the captain, and our latest communications with the ship indicate that he is unharmed. We are working closely with all involved government agencies, particularly the U.S. Navy, which has arrived on the scene and is taking the lead in working toward the captain’s release.”
   AmericanShipper.com will provide updates on this story as they are available.
   The company said family members of Maersk Alabama crewmembers seeking additional information can contact the Maersk Line's family assistance hotline at (888) 354-5274.