Xephyer

First, let me say I know I promised a more detailed look at the pirates and a historical perspective on the issue - but what started out as a short post, ended up being nearly six pages long. I decided not to post it at this time - but will at some point polish it up a bit and post it as a PDF for anyone who is interested.

So - yesterday, the US Navy rescued Maersk Captain Phillips from his four Somali pirate-captors. It seems it went something like this:

Phillips was being held captive in a lifeboat from the Maersk vessel. The lifeboat had long since run out of fuel. At some point on Sunday, the sea conditions were worsening and the lifeboat was "floundering". The pirates acknowledged that by establishing a tow, it would be a smoother ride.Tthe pirates and the Navy agreed to tow the lifeboat while negotiations were underway for Phillips' release. The USS Bainbridge hooked up a tow line to the life boat. Three captors were onboard the lifeboat with Phillips, all armed with AK-47s and small arms, while the fourth pirate went aboard the USS Bainbridge to conduct negotiations.

The White House had issued a standing order for the military to move in an rescue Phillips if his life was in imminent danger.

Shortly after the USS Bainbridge began towing the lifeboat, the situation escalated. It became increasingly clear to the pirates that they were not going to get the cash ransom they were looking for - as the officers of the USS Bainnridge made it very clear they were not in a position to provide any cash ransom. Shots were fired from the lifeboat and the pirates were seen holding a gun to Captain Phillips back. Acting on the standing order from the White House, the snipers, positioned on the fantail of the USS Bainbridge, were ordered to fire.

They established clear head shots on all three pirates. One of the pirates was visible through the front window, and the heads of the other two were visible above the hatch. Shots were fired, and all three pirates were hit. Navy Seals traversed the tow line attached to the lifeboat, and were the first to get to Phillips. They surveyed the scene and found three dead pirates. Phillips was alive, although tied up. The fourth pirate was taken into custody on the USS Bainbrdge.

Moments after the Seals reached Phillips, a Navy RIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) approached the life boat and safely escorted Phillips back to the Bainbridge. He has since undergone a medical exam and had the chance to take a shower.

According to Admiral Gortney, commander of the US Navy's 5th Fleet, Phillips is healthy and unharmed.