Boat captain tries to escape Somali pirates

[April 10, 2009]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- Defense Department officials say the American boat captain held by Somali pirates tried to escape but was recaptured. Captain Richard Phillips jumped over the side of the small lifeboat where he has been held for two days and began swimming.

Officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to talk about unfolding operations, say Phillips was retaken by the pirates after he jumped from the boat around midnight local time in open ocean off the Somali coast.

A U.S. Navy ship patrolling nearby was able to see Phillips moving around and talking after his return to the pirate's boat.

The defense officials think he is unharmed.

[Associated Press; By ANNE GEARAN]

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