Personal Injury Law

Maersk announce Somalia Pirate captive Captain Richard Phillips rescued by US Navy

By Lipcon, Margulies & Alsina, P.A.

The ScanEagle entered service with the U.S. Navy in 2005. In addition to the United States military, the Australian Army also operates the ScanEagle UAV. As well the Canadian Government announced in August 2008 that they would lease the ScanEagle for use of their military operations in Afghanistan.

On 18 March 2008 Boeing, with ImSAR and Insitu successfully flight-tested a ScanEagle with a Nano-SAR radar mounted aboard. The Nano-SAR is the world?s smallest Synthetic Aperture Radar, weighs two pounds and is roughly the size of a shoe box. It is designed to provide high quality real-time ground imaging through adverse weather conditions or other battlefield obsurants.

On 10 April 2009 a ScanEagle launched by the US Navy observed an escape attempt by Capt. Richard Phillips.

Phillips, Captain of the MV Maersk Alabama, was held captive by Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean after a failed hijack attempt.

Mearsk information release

Norfolk, Va., April 12, 2009: Maersk Line, Limited was informed by the U.S. government at 1330 EDT today that Captain Richard Phillips has been rescued. John Reinhart, President and Chief Executive Officer of Maersk Line, Limited, called Captain Phillips? wife, Andrea, to tell her the good news. The crew of the Maersk Alabama was jubilant when they received word Mr. Reinhart said, ?We are all absolutely thrilled to learn that Richard is safe and will be re-united with his family.

Maersk Line, Limited is deeply grateful to the Navy, the F.B.I. and so many others for their tireless efforts to secure Richard?s freedom. We join Richard?s family, his crew and his colleagues ashore in celebrating this wonderful news. We look forward to welcoming him home in the coming days.?

Mr. Reinhart will hold a media briefing in Norfolk, Va., later on Sunday. Details will follow.

The primary contact for information at Maersk Line, Limited is Kevin Speers at +1 (757) 531-7873. Please note this new telephone number.

Maersk Line Limited has established an email address
where concerned persons from around the world may send messages of support for the
captain, crew and families of the Maersk Alabama. The address is: maerskalabamasupport@maerskline-usa.com

Full post as published by Cruise Ship Law on April 12, 2009 (boomark / email).