While not providing details, Maersk said in a brief statement the U.S.-flag containership and its 20 crewmembers was moving to its “next port of call, where the crew can be repatriated to the U.S. and reunited with their families. For security reasons, we are not able to share details on the ship’s compliment or schedule, but we can confirm that the ship has left the area.”
Several press reports said the ship was proceeding to its original destination, Mombasa, Kenya, to discharge containers filled with food aid and other general cargo. Reportedly a team of as many as 18 armed guards has been put on the merchant ship.
| Related News • Maersk Alabama standoff continues • Maersk: Vessel secured, crewman held hostage • U.S.-flagged Maersk vessel hijacked |
Capt. Richard Phillips of the Maersk Alabama is still being held as a hostage on a lifeboat, and the U.S. destroyer Bainbridge is on scene while negotiators try to secure his release.
Attorney General Eric Holder said the FBI hostage negotiators are assisting the Navy in efforts to free Phillips.
Pirates attacked the Maersk Alabama early Wednesday morning about 300 miles off the coast of Africa as it was steaming to Mombasa, but the crew was able to retake the ship several hours later. The pirates took Phillips hostage when they fled the ship using one of the containership’s lifeboats, which is reportedly without power. ' Chris Dupin
