Abduhl Wal-i-Musi is the only surviving member of a band of four Somali pirates who took Maersk Alabama ship captain Richard Phillips hostage in April 2009.Associated Press: Source: Captured Somali pirate to face trial in NY (April 16, 2009) Wal-i-Musi surrendered to the U.S. Navy on April 12, prior to Phillips' evening rescue, in order to receive medical attention for a hand wound aboard the USS Bainbridge.MSNBC: Captain freed after snipers kill pirates (April 12, 2009) As of April 16, Wal-i-Musi was en route to New York, where sources say he will face trial.Associated Press: Source: Captured Somali pirate to face trial in NY (April 16, 2009)
On April 21, 2009, a federal judge determined in closed court that Musi is older than 18, although his parents say he is only 15 or 16. Birth records are not available, a typical situation in Somalia. He will be charged with piracy, a charge which has not been leveled in over 100 years.USA Today: Age dispute closes piracy hearing (April 21, 2009)
Richard Phillips Fast Facts
- From Underhill, Vermont
- Graduated from Massachusetts Maritime Academy
- Phillips is the lead captain of the Maersk Alabama cargo ship
- The Maersk Alabama was captured by pirates on April 8, 2009
- The crew reportedly regained control of the ship later that day
- Captain Phillips remained a hostage
- Phillips was rescued by the USS Bainbridge on April 12, 2009
References
Fast Facts
-
Fact:
Also known as Abdiwali Muse
-
Full name
Abdiwali Abdiqadir Muse
-
Nationality
Somali
-
Fact:
Under 20
-
Fact:
One of four men involved in the kidnapping of American ship captain Richard Phillips
-
Fact:
Surrendered to U.S. on April 12, 2009, prior to Phillips' rescue
-
Fact:
To be tried in the U.S.
-
Fact:
-
Fact:
-
Fact:
30-year-old Somali pirate Jamac Habeb told the Associated Press that they will now kill hostages if the hostages' respective nations of origin attack themMSNBC: Captain freed after snipers kill Somali pirates (April 12, 2009)
-
Fact:
Habeb told the Associated Press that U.S. forces had become their "number one enemy"MSNBC: Captain freed after snipers kill Somali pirates (April 12, 2009)
