U.S. Navy Arrives on Scene of Hijacked American Ship

Fox News ^ | 4/8/2009

[tsmith130]

The U.S. is closing in on pirates that hijacked a U.S.-flagged ship off the coast of Somalia. According to a spokesman for the owner of the Maersk Alabama, which had been hijacked by pirates before American crew members were able to regain control of the vessel Wednesday, a U.S. Navy warship arrived at the scene Wednesday night.

The ship's captain still is being held hostage on a smaller boat.

Family members said Capt. Richard Phillips surrendered himself to the pirates to secure the safety of the crew. "What I understand is that he offered himself as the hostage," said Gina Coggio, 29, half sister of Phillips' wife. "That is what he would do. It's just who he is and his response as a captain."

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called Wednesday for world action to "end the scourge of piracy" as U.S. warships raced to confront the pirates.

"We are deeply concerned and we are following it very closely," Clinton said. "Specifically, we are now focused on this particular act of piracy and the seizure of a ship that carries 21 American citizens.

[farmer18th]

I guess that’s why the Lord says you wash your feet with that stuff.

[Miss Didi]

I know...Madonna donated more than the USA.

[acsrp38]

I had an English teacher in High School who had a remedy for not turning in homework assignments.

No homework — no makeup — double 0 for that assignment.

He said that turning in an assignment with a 0 score deserved more credit than not doing the assignment at all.

Worked fairly well as far as I know.

[1066AD]

A slight bow is in order in Japan, it’s reciprocated (should be) and is a sign of mutual respect.

[Miss Didi]

Now I’m screaming! It was just reported that during a press conference Barry was asked about the pirate situation and Boy Wonder replied—Guys, we’re talking about housing right now.

[1066AD]

Food.
Aid from US/UN to be offloaded in Kenya for transportation to Somalia.

[1066AD]

$50K for Italy, $900,000,000 for Hamas.

Something wrong with this picture ?

[upcountryhorseman]

Every ship passing near the Somali coast must have trained
armed guards!

[Levante]

“One semi-well aimed tactical nuke will permanently stop this bullshit.”

But we wouldn’t want to offend Osablama’s assclown friends, buttbuddies and relatives, the muslims.

[CSM]

Thanks. I thought I had heard that, but was not sure.

[DrewsMum]

“He said that turning in an assignment with a 0 score deserved more credit than not doing the assignment at all.”

That is very true, except for one thing. Sometimes the kids turn in assignments that they just scribble down any answers thinking they will get a “completion” grade. That actually irritates me more than them not turning in an assignment because they are being deceptive and making a joke out of the work. I usually mark those papers (I use RED ink by the way ;0) ) and put a big fat 0/F at the top and require them to take it home and get their parents signature. Let them explain to their parents why they put Britney Spears as the answer to several questions. That usually stops them in their tracks. For the most part, I have great students who try really hard...just get a bad egg every now and then.

[river rat]

Obama’s reaction to this will be very telling...
Will he once again, side with the Muslims?

[Girlene]

Does anyone know what cargo the ship was carrying?

I believe food aid for Kenya.

[jhw61]

Don’t we have millions of starving kids here in America...you know the millions under the bridges reported right from Obama’s teethy mouth.

[Girlene]

It was just reported that during a press conference Barry was asked about the pirate situation and Boy Wonder replied—Guys, we’re talking about housing right now.

Are you kidding me??!!! Actually it doesn't surprise me. Latest from AP, Crew member dad: Hijacked ship heading to Kenya

"The father of a crew member on an American cargo ship that was hijacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia says the vessel is headed to a Kenyan port with an armed guard of 18.

Joseph Murphy, whose son Shane Murphy is second in command on the U.S.-flagged Maersk Alabama, says he was told about the development by company officials who are briefing families. Murphy says he estimates it will arrive in Mombasa, Kenya in about 50 hours. He said the company plans to put on a new crew at that time, and he expects his son could return home by early next week.

A Navy team is reportedly on board the pirated ship."

It seems the pirates are left in the lifeboat without food or fuel AND with a destroyer in sight. Hmmmmmm. I'm wondering if they are rethinking their decisions about now.

[robertwalker62]

Does anyone else find it ironic that the US Navy vessel on scene is the USS Bainbridge?

[Girlene]

Don’t we have millions of starving kids here in America...you know the millions under the bridges reported right from Obama’s teethy mouth.

The relief aid was from some UN type agency, but it very well could have been funded in part by the US (don't know). A little more from AP, FBI joins effort in hostage standoff with pirates

............."Kevin Speers, a spokesman for the Maersk shipping company, said the pirates have made no demands yet to the company. He said the safe return of the captain is now its top priority.".............

I think they are kind of out of options at this point.

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

"Fox news just reported that Hillary Clinton said the "life boat is out of gas".

If it would have been a hybrid or total eclectic motor, it probably would have made it back to the coast.[/sarcasm]

They really shouldn't have left home without an Al Gore approve Eco-Boat:

[jhw61]

Thanks.

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

My vote:

$0.00 for everybody.