It was April 8, 2008-early in the morning-350 miles off the coast of Somalia when four Somali pirates hijack cargo ship MV Maersk Alabama.
It’s the first time pirates have successfully seized a U.S. ship since the early 19th century.
Crew Members had just completed anti-piracy drills the previous day.
They manage t0 disable the ship just before the AK-47 armed pirates came aboard about 6 a.m.
Chief Engineer Mike Perry–carrying only a knife-lies waiting for the pirates in the darkened engine room.
When the pirates arrive, they realize they cannot control the ship. After a chase, Perry stabs the pirate’s ringleader and captures him.
Captain Phillips negotiates with the pirates: use the Alabama’s lifeboat and take him as a hostage.
After a three-day ordeal, three simultaneous, deadly accurate shots were fired by the U.S. Navy SEAL officers into the heads of the pirates, instantly killing them. The lifeboat was towed in, and Captain Phillips was free- and in good condition.
The famous lifeboat represents a piece of living history and the lifeboat bullet holes and all, is now on permanent display at the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum.
National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum
3300 North A1A, North Hutchinson Island
Fort Pierce, Florida
772-595-5845
http://www.navysealmuseum.com