Gortney says Phillips was "tied up inside the lifeboat" over much of the past six days.
Gortney says Navy Seals and other armed snipers aboard the fantail of the USS Bainbridge opened fire when they drew aim at the pirates' heads and shoulders.
Gortney spoke to Pentagon reporters in a telephone conference call from Bahrain. He is the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command.
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THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE.
AP's earlier story is below.
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WASHINGTON (AP) -- A top Navy officer says the rescued American sea captain was found to be in good health after being by Navy physicians.
Navy Vice Admiral Bill Gortney says Richard Phillips suffered no apparent injuries during his ordeal inside a cramped lifeboat where Somali pirates held him.
Gortney says Phillips was "tied up inside the lifeboat" over much of the past six days.
Gortney says Navy Seals and other armed snipers aboard the fantail of the USS Bainbridge opened fire when they drew aim at the pirates' heads and shoulders.
Gortney spoke to Pentagon reporters in a telephone conference call from Bahrain. He is the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command.
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