The life boat was tied to the warship and the pirate captain was in negotiations with the navy. I would think that risk to Phillips at that point in time was minimal. What did happen at that time was the three pirates (not the ripest mangoes on the tree)stuck their heads up at the same time presenting the perfect target of opportunity. Had there only been one or two pirates visible at that time the shots would not have been taken.
Do you believe everything you hear on CNN?
Also, some great decision making by Captain Hook who allowed his vessel to be towed by the very same vessel sent to kill of capture him! John Paul Jones or Lord Nelson he ain't.
Also, some great decision making by Captain Hook who allowed his vessel to be towed by the very same vessel sent to kill of capture him! John Paul Jones or Lord Nelson he ain't.
The pirate “captain” doing the negotiating was the YOUNGEST of the batch, at 16 years old...IOW the most expendable of the batch.
Ironically, he’s the only unexpended one of the batch.