Pirates Attack Another U.S. Ship, Liberty Sun

The pirates fired RPGs and automatic weapons at the Liberty Sun; the ship was bound from Houston to Mombasa, Kenya, carrying a 20-member crew as well as food for famine victims. The pirates were unsuccessful at boarding the ship.

A United States military official said the Liberty Sun was attacked about 11:30 AM EDT. The Bainbridge, the same destroyer that responded to the Maersk Alabama, was sent to the scene. The pirates were gone when the Bainbridge arrived three hours later.

Ironically, Capt. Richard Phillips is still aboard the U.S.S. Bainbridge, and thus, the pirates continue to affect his life, even while he is safe.

Pirate spokesman Omar Dahir Idle told The Associated Press by telephone:

"Our latest hijackings are meant to show that no one can deter us from protecting our waters from the enemy because we believe in dying for our land. Our guns do not fire water. I am sure we will avenge."