Pirates Attempt to Hijack Maersk Alabama

Suspected Somali Pirates once again targeted the Maersk Alabama, but this time the ship was able to fend them off. According to reports, four men in a skiff began approaching the Maersk in the Indian Ocean about 200 miles north of Madagascar. A security team on board the merchant ship fired warning shots at the captain’s orders. After several shots, the skiff turned away and fled the area.

"The captain followed the appropriate protocol and authorized an embarked security team to fire warning shots in order for the pirates to turn away," the ship said a statement.

Tuesday’s incident was the third time pirates have targeted the Maersk. In April 2009, pirates hijacked the vessel and took Captain Richard Phillips hostage. Phillips was held hostage for 5 days before U.S. Navy snipers killed his captives and rescued him. One of the pirates involved was arrested and received more than 30 years in prison for his crimes. The Maersk was targeted again in April 2009.

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