Company: Hijacked U.S. cargo ship captain confirmed rescued

Source: Xinhua | 04-13-2009 08:53

WASHINGTON, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Captain of a U.S. cargo ship Captain Richard Philips seized by Somali pirates has been confirmed rescued on Sunday by his company Maersk Line Limited based in Norfolk, Virginia, the company said in a press release.

Maersk Line, Limited was informed by the U.S. government at 1:30 p.m. EDT today that Captain Richard Phillips has been rescued," the press release said.

The company said President and CEO John Reinhart called Phillips' wife Andrea to tell her the news and the crew of the cargo ship was jubilant when they were told that their captain has been rescued.

"We are all absolutely thrilled to learn that Richard is safe and will be re-united with his family. Maersk Line, Limited is deeply grateful to the Navy, the FBI and so many others for their tireless efforts to secure Richard's freedom," Reinhart said.

U.S. Navy rescued Phillips who has been taken hostage on a lifeboat by Somali pirates in a swift firefight. Three pirates were killed and the other one on one of the ships was taken in custody. 　

Editor:Zhang Pengfei