Seized US cargo ship captain freed

WATCH VIDEO

Source: CCTV.com | 04-13-2009 09:16

The U.S. cargo ship captain taken captive by Somali pirates has been freed. Captain Richard Phillips was seized on Wednesday after pirates attempted to hijack his ship, the Maersk Alabama.

In this photo released by the U.S. Navy, Maersk-Alabama Capt. Richard Phillips, right, shakes hands with Lt. Cmdr. David Fowler, commanding officer of USS Bainbridge after being rescued by U.S Naval Forces off the coast of Somalia on Sunday April 12, 2009.(AP Photo/ U.S. Navy)

Three pirates were killed in the operation to free Phillips, and another is in US custody.

The US Navy says Phillips faced imminent danger amid tense hostage talks and worsening sea conditions.

Before the rescue operation, Somali elders tried to negotiate the release of the captain. They failed to persuade the four pirates, who insisted on a ransom of 2 million US dollars and departure with their captive.