Captain Richard Phillips

[tekisui]

He offered himself up as a hostage, and is floating in the ocean with four armed Somali pirates. He slipped into the water, tried to swim away, was shot at and captured again.

He is a brave man, and isn't giving up.

The pirates know they have to keep him alive; they are after money, and he is worth nothing dead. They want $2-2.5 million dollars, they aren't going to get it. They are four tired men with one tired hostage looking at the US Navy.

I think the four will give up. They are interested in living, they will break 'rank' from their on shore commander and save themselves.

It is a waiting game, now.

[cali]

1. Man, I really hope he makes it back home

soon. It's coming spring here.

[tekisui]

2. He's proved to be a strong person.

The fact that he attempted to flee after giving himself up to save his ship and crew tells me he is a smart and determined man.

[cali]

3. well, that's certainly what people who know him are saying

also that he has a terrific sense of humor and is in good shape- he's evidently an avid skiier and boarder.

[stray cat]

4. I sure hope he is able to make it home safely

[rvablue]

5. Just heard a few things on the evening news:

After the Captain jumped in the ocean, the Navy contacted the ship and asked to speak to the captain. While they allowed it before the escape attempt, they refused after they had recaptured him.

The pirates also have control of two German frigates, one of which includes hostages, and they are both sailing towards the area.

I'm hoping the Navy makes a move at dawn. If these other ships show up with multiple hostages this could possibly get very ugly, very quickly.

The news showed the Captain's house in Vermont and neighbors are coming by and attaching yellow ribbons to his fence.

Prayers to the Captain and the Navy that all end's well!!!

[stray cat]

6. Has there been any confirmation that he is ok after the attempted escape

[tekisui]

9. Reports say he is unharmed.

http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/11/ship-captain-tried-escape-pirates-adding-reinforce/

[rvablue]

10. The pirates refused to put him on the phone, but they had previous to the escape attempt. n/t

[tekisui]

7. The Navy knows about the other seized ships soming, I am sure

they have a plan to keep them marginalized(I hope).

I think the best thing the Navy can do is wait out the four. Isolate them. Eventually, they will lose the capability of contacting the head at the shore, then they will break.

[cali]

8. Underhill's a nice town

village, really. I understand that folks are being really protective and keeping the media wolves at bay.

It's worrying that the pirates refuse to let anyone speak with Phillips.

[rvablue]

11. Glad to hear that the family is in a community that will protect them at this time.

They certainly don't need reporters sticking microphones in thier faces right now.

[Fleshdancer]

12. I've been very impressed with his courage...

but ultimately, my heart is breaking for his family. How does anyone live through watching their loved one in this situation and not go crazy? My eyes are tearing up just thinking about it.

:(

[cali]

13. it must be awful for the family. He has two kids, a boy and a girl

19 and 20. I know his whole family has gathered at his farmhouse in Underhill, and as I said the entire village has their backs.