U.S. Shipping Captain Held by Somali Pirates Freed after Rescue Operation by Navy

The hostage crisis involving U.S. shipping captain Richard Phillips has ended after a Navy operation to free the American from Somali pirates resulted in his release.

It has been reported that three pirates were killed in the Navy operation and a fourth was in custody following a brief firefight. That firefight began after Capt. Richard Phillips jumped from the lifeboat in which he was being held and U.S. forces opened fire on the pirates.

Phillips had been held hostage since Wednesday after the pirates seized his Maersk Alabama shipping vessel as it was passing through the Indian Ocean. The 20-member U.S. crew was able to regain control of the ship but the pirates managed to leave the vessel in a lifeboat and held Phillips hostage.

On Friday Phillips attempted to escape his captors by jumping overboard but he was quickly retrieved by the pirates. Negotiations had been underway with the pirates for his release and it was believed a ransom demand of $2 million was made.

Following the firefight Phillips was brought aboard the Navy warship USS Bainbridge which had been shadowing the lifeboat for several days. He is said to be in good condition and will be returning to the States shortly.

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