The US Captain of 'Maersk Alabama' has been set free after a dramatic US Navy high-seas standoff with Somali pirates on Sunday evening (April 12).
"This was an incredible team effort, and I am extremely proud of the tireless efforts of all the men and women who made this rescue possible," Vice Admiral Bill Gortney, commander of Central Command was quoted as saying by The Age.
A Navy statement said that three pirates were killed and one was in custody.
US President Barack Obama said he was pleased that Captain Phillips had been rescued.
"I know this is a welcome relief to his family and his crew", Mr Obama said in a statement. He added that the US remained committed to combating piracy off the Gulf of Aden.
