Captain Philips Free!

flyingwelshman · #1 (**permalink**) 04-12-2009

A very brave man!

I like how the story says that Captain Philips was 'freed'. It looks more like he escaped.

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 17:48:46 GMT
American captain Richard Philips held by Somalia pirates since Wednesday following a failed hijacking attempt has been freed.

The captain was freed Sunday after a rescue operation, during which three pirates were killed, media reports said.

Commandoes have taken the fourth bandit into custody, the BBC reported.

The captain of the container ship, Maersk Alabama, was not hurt in the operation and has boarded a US destroyer sent to track Philips -- the USS Bainbridge.

ZHD/MMN

XTR · #2 (**permalink**) 04-12-2009

Three dead pirates, captain is free. Good ending.

captbillc · #3 (**permalink**) 04-12-2009

back in the early days of our republic it was " Millions for defense but not one cent for tribute " when we fought the barbary pirates in the med. i hope we continue with that.

Kakkerlak · #4 (**permalink**) 04-12-2009

US Navy SEALS: 1
Somali Bandits: -3

Caps off for the French skipper who died in the retaking of his yacht this week, and huzzahs for the bravery of Capt. Philips and the commandos of the Bainbridge.

Go like it's 1805, guys.

LittleMissMagic · #5 (**permalink**) 04-13-2009

The pirates in Somalia say they will retaliate...BRING IT ON!

imagine2frolic · #6 (**permalink**) 04-13-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by LittleMissMagic

The pirates in Somalia say they will retaliate...BRING IT ON!

Unforunately they will take it out on the hostages they already hold. If they do they will be crossing a line they will die regretting. It could very well be the cause of the destruction of their way of life. I for one am all for flattening the pirate towns. Innocent ones be damned....LIVE BY THE SWORD, DIE BY THE SWORD......i2f

sailingdog · #7 (**permalink**) 04-13-2009

Of course, if the pirates start killing their hostages, the world might decide that they need to be dealt with, in a fairly permanent fashion.... escalating is probably a bad idea, but these pirates aren't too bright to begin with.

LiamM · #8 (**permalink**) 04-13-2009

Well done Capt Phillips and the US Navy - a victory for brave men and iron resolution.

But, for an interesting take on the causes, try this - w ww.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/johann-hari/johann-hari-you-are-being-lied-to-about-pirates-1225817.html

LiamM · #9 (**permalink**) 04-13-2009

Hey, Imagine - get a grip. 'Innocent ones be damned'??!! Wake up tommorow, ashamed.

mccary · #10 (**permalink**) 04-13-2009

I find it fitting that the USS Bainbridge was sent to rescue the first US Ship to fall victim to Pirates in about 200 years. It was Captain William Bainbridge who was sent to fight the Barberry Pirates and later commanded the USS Constitution. It is fitting that his name was reinvoked in the fighting of 21st century pirates!