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US captain released from pirates US captain released from pirates
(20 minutes later)
The captain of a US container ship taken hostage by Somali pirates has been released, the US Navy has said.The captain of a US container ship taken hostage by Somali pirates has been released, the US Navy has said.
According to initial reports, three pirates were killed in the operation to free Captain Richard Phillips. Another is in custody. Three pirates were said to have been killed in the operation to free Captain Richard Phillips, who had been held in a lifeboat for several days.
Capt Phillips is said to be unhurt and on the USS Bainbridge, a warship sent to track the pirates holding him.Capt Phillips is said to be unhurt and on the USS Bainbridge, a warship sent to track the pirates holding him.
He was taken hostage last Wednesday after pirates briefly hijacked his ship, the Maersk Alabama. He was taken hostage after pirates briefly hijacked his ship, the Maersk Alabama on Wednesday.
Media reports say Capt Phillips' family was informed of his release several hours ago. On Friday he failed in an attempt to swim free.
An unnamed US official told the Associated Press that Capt Phillips was freed in what appeared to be a swift firefight.
Crew's relief
Media reports say his family was informed of his release several hours ago.
The head of Maersk Line Ltd., the company that owns the ship, thanked the Navy, FBI and others for helping in the release.
"We join Richard's family, his crew and his colleagues ashore in celebrating this wonderful news," John Reinhart said in a statement.
"We look forward to welcoming him home in the coming days."
The BBC's Karen Allen in Mombasa, Kenya, says there will be relief among the ship's crew, who are currently being questioned by US federal agents on board the ship in the port.
Somali elders had been trying to resolve the standoff but most recent reports suggested the talks had stalled.Somali elders had been trying to resolve the standoff but most recent reports suggested the talks had stalled.