Failed Escape Attempt by Maersk Alabama Captain

Phillips jumped into the water and attempted to swim to safety. Naval personnel on the U.S.S. Bainbridge witnessed the attempt, but were too far away to react in time to rescue him.

The pirates remain defiant, with a spokesperson (separate from the pirates on the lifeboat) telling Reuters:

"We are not afraid of the Americans. We will defend ourselves if attacked."

Four pirates have been holding Capt. Richard Phillips since Wednesday after a bid to hijack the 17,000-ton Maersk Alabama failed. Since then the ship's lifeboat, which the pirates stole, has run out of fuel, and the USS Bainbridge destroyer has come into the area.

Negotiations are underway; the most likely scenario would be the release of the captain in exchange for safe passage.