Attack on U.S. vessel is first off Africa since Barbary Pirates era

(WASHINGTON) — The pirate attack on the Maersk Alabama is the first on a U.S.-flagged ship off Africa since the days of the Barbary Pirates two centuries ago, the Los Angeles Times reported. An FBI hostage rescue team is now assisting the Navy with negotiations to free the cargo ship’s captain. The U.S. destroyer Bainbridge has arrived on the scene.
 
Click here to view the newspaper’s story.
By Professional Mariner Staff