'Maersk Alabama' was hijacked on April 8, making it the sixth vessel to be hijacked in a week.
The vessel, which was hijacked 500km off the coast of Somalia, is believed to have 21 US crew on board. Of the 17,000 tonnes of cargo on board 'Maersk Alabama', 5,000 tonnes are said to be relief supplies bound for Somalia, Kenya and Uganda.
According to CNN, the pirates have taken the ship's captain, Richard Phillips captive. He reportedly volunteered to be taken hostage for the sake of the crew. The Pentagon said it was seeking a peaceful resolution and would not rule out any options to free Captain Philllips.
US warship 'USS Bainbridge' arrived at the scene on April 9and soldiers boarded the 'Maersk Alabama'.
"We have 'USS Bainbridge' on station currently negotiating with the pirates to get our American citizen back," Vice Admiral Bill Gortney, a Bahrain-based naval commander was quoted as saying by CNN.
Meanwhile, the crew captured one of the pirates, but, in a failed attempt at negotiation, did not manage to get Captain Phillips back in exchange for the pirate. The pirates and the Captain Phillips remain on one of 'Maersk Alabama's' life boats. They have nine days' worth of rations, but fuel is running low.
On April 10, Captain Phillips attempted escape but was recaptured. The pirates, fearing that the US Navy was giving instructions to Captain Phillip through the phone and the two-way radio the Navy had dropped them,threw the equipment into the ocean.
Captain Phillips' family has gathered in Vermont, waiting for news.
