Pirate Tale: Rescued Captain Heads Home

April 13, 2009 | Today's Top Stories

After nearly five harrowing days of being held hostage by pirates, Captain Richard Phillips is on his way home, his pirate nightmare behind him.

Hero Captain Richard Phillips rescued

The U.S. Navy conducted a daring rescue of Phillips (pictured on right with rescuer Commander Frank Castellano) on Sunday, after President Obama authorized the use of force if the Captain appeared in imminent danger of being killed by his armed captors. Navy Seal snipers killed three Somali pirates holding Phillips hostage, then rescued Phillips, who is currently en route home to Virginia. Philips thanked the Navy and the Navy Seals for their efforts.

Phillips volunteered to get on his ship's lifeboat on Wednesday with his three captors, in exchange for letting his crew go free. The pirates who held Phillips at gunpoint demanded $2 million for the 53-year-old's release.

"I share the country's admiration for the bravery of Captain Phillips and his selfless concern for his crew," Barack Obama said in a statement. "His courage is a model for all Americans."

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First Captain Sully and his crew bravely perform an emergency landing of Continental flight 1549 in the Hudson River that saved the lives of his passengers and now Captin Phillips of the Maersk Alabama selflessly sacrifices himself to preserve the safety and freedom of his crew. In a time when the United States needs real heros, we HAVE them. Where is the American Hero Hall of Fame to immortalize the corageous acts of these brave citizens? Where are the gold medals, trophies, and ticker tape parades to honor these American heros? Where is the National American Hero Day to celebrate the selfless acts of the courageous men and women that sacrifice of themselves, perform courages acts of bravery to preserve the life and freedome of others? There are halls of fame for various sports stars for their accomplishments and actors are held as icons for their abilities as well. Not to diminish their accomplishments, but does an Oscar performance save lives? Does an home run or touchdown statistic preserve freedom? When things are put into perspective, it appears that we are overlooking the acknowledgement of a true hero.

Chris H
April 17, 2009

William Petersen would resemble him the most in a movie based on the ordeal.

dre
April 14, 2009

I think that Robert Pattinson should play him. This is becuase he is such a teen idol, it would make the movie a hit just because he is in it. This is also a way for teenage girls to learn about true heroes!

amanda
April 14, 2009

I heard a movie called “The Somali Pirates” is already being planned. However you won’t be able to take your kids since it will be rated “Arrrrr”

FlynByU2
April 14, 2009

hey Debbie, HE IS A HERO, SO ARE THE NAVY SEALS, THE SEA BEES AND THE NAVY PERIOD.

THIS MAN RISKED HIS LIFE TO SAVE HIS CREW. THEY COULD ALL HAVE BEEN KILLED. CAPTAIN PHILLIPS OFFERED HIMSELF IN ORDER TO SAVE HIS CREW. THAT IS A HERO TO ME.

THEY COULD HAVE EASILY KILLED HIM, HE RISKED HIS LIFE.

THANK YOU NAVE SEALS, NAVY SEABEES, AND THE NAVY AS A WHOLE. I PROUDLY SALUTE YOU.

I ALSO DON’T FORGET THE TROOPS THAT ARE STILL FIGHTING THE WAR. MAY GOD BLESS THEM TOO AND BRING THEM HOME SAFE.

hey Debbie, HE IS A HERO
April 13, 2009

I think he kind of looks like George Clooney, so Clooney should play him.

Joanne
April 13, 2009

We need more real heros. Now we can add Cap. Phillips to the list. A true American Hero.

Karen
April 13, 2009

Robert Downey Jr. or Kiefer Sutherland would be great for the role of Capt. Phillips.

Wendy
April 13, 2009

I thing Dennis Quaid would be the perfect fit for Captain Phillips.

Sandy
April 13, 2009

Ok! I too am glad captain phillips is safe. And the navy seals did a great job.But to call them PIRATES!!They are no pirates! They don’t look like pirates ,they don’t talk like pirates,they don’t even have a pirate ship.They are just a bunch of uneducated thieves running around in small boats. Blow them out of the water.ARG

harv
April 13, 2009

I definitly think Harrison Ford should portray Captain Phillips. I am so glad he is ok and safe.

Tina
April 13, 2009

I agree - George Clooney would be perfect for the role of Capt. Phillips.

-P
April 13, 2009

Definitely George Clooney!!!

Ginna
April 13, 2009

He is hero material. He put himself in danger in order to save his men, w/o thinking of himself. If that’s not a hero, what must someone do to satisfy that status for you, debbie.

Anonymous
April 13, 2009

My name is SHARON from Ohio, I think Captain Phillips should be played MEL GIBSON OR WILLIAM PETERSON. THANKS

Sharon Woodall
April 13, 2009

I believe George Clooney would be the perfect actor to portray our hero Captain Phillips

kristi jones
April 13, 2009

I am extremely happy that Captain Williams was rescued, but this doesn’t make him a hero. The true heroes are the Navy Seals, and I’d like to see more said about their bravery and ability to “get the job done!” Kudos to President Obama for showing these scum bags that the United States will not put up with them trying to bully us around. This shows me that Obama has a back bone and is not afraid to stand up for our country and citizens. After 9-11, we’ve needed someone who isn’t going to tip-toe around these jerks, and to set an example for all countries to see how we will deal with situations like these. Hats off to the Navy Seals, they had a job to do and did it well!!!

Debbie
April 13, 2009

George Clooney should play the captain

Yo
April 13, 2009

I think the role of Captain Phillips should go to William Peterson.

rhodarootr
April 13, 2009

I think Gerald Rainy would make a great Captain Phillips when they make a movie.

Teresa
April 13, 2009
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