Somali Pirates Hold American Captain

(10 Apr 09 - RV) Pirate captors of a U.S. sea captain want a ransom and are ready to kill him if attacked. Four pirates are holding Capt. Richard Phillips, captured during a failed effort to seize the Maersk Alabama in the Indian Ocean Wednesday. Capt Phillips managed to jump off the Pirates boat overnight but was recaptured.
After a lull earlier this year, the Maersk Alabama was the sixth ship hijacked off Somalia in the past week. At least 18 vessels are now being held in Somali waters, with at least 267 crew members held hostage. The Maersk Alabama is reportedly sailing for the Kenyan port of Mombasa under armed guard.
Life-saving food aid destined for Catholic Relief Services (CRS) programs in Rwanda is among the cargo of the ship. Jennifer Nazaire is country representative for CRS Rwanda: