Celebrations For A Sailor's Safe Return

There are several celebrations around the world and in New England because cargo ship Captain Richard Phillips has been rescued.

Phillips was held hostage by pirates in a lifeboat off the coast of Somalia for nearly five days.

The ship's second-in-command, Shane Murphy of Seekonk spoke with Phillips this morning.

"Overall, we give the credit to our captain, "Murphy says. "Our thoughts are with him and we're looking forward to getting back home to see him."

Meanwhile, maritime officials are taking a hard look at what the world can do to fight piracy.

Naval War Academy professor James Kraska in Rhode Island says the crisis shows that ship owners should hire contracted security guards for their vessels.

"It is a bit (in)congruent to have $100 million worth of oil on an oil tanker and 25 unarmed persons that can be seized by just a handful of rag-tag sailors operating from the beach of Somalia," Kraska says.

Still, that does not mean sailors should have to carry weapons, Kraska says. Some maritime officials are considering the change.

The crew is expected to return to Massachusetts Monday.

No word on the timing of Phillips' return.

Phillips is originally from Winchester, but now lives in Vermont.