Shane Murphy

Shane Murphy is the chief officer on the Maersk Alabama, a U.S.-flagged cargo ship.

Murphy was on board when the Maersk Alabama was attacked by Somalian pirates on April 8, 2009. Along with other crew members, Murphy helped to regain control of the vessel from the four Somalian hijackers.The Boston Globe: Two Mass. Maritime Graduates Led Hijacked Ship

The Maersk Alabama was hijacked while approximately 300 miles off the coast of Somalia in the early morning hours of April 8, 2009. Four attackers reportedly chased the Maersk Alabama for three hours before coming on board and taking control of the ship.CNN.com: Crew Member Says One Pirate 'Taken Down'

Shortly after the attack, Murphy phoned his wife, letting her know that he was alive, that the ship was taken over and that the crew knew help was on the way. The closest Navy ship was 200 miles away, but was sent towards the area when a distress signal was received.CNN.com: Crew Member Says One Pirate 'Taken Down'

Later in the morning of April 8, 2009, reports surfaced that the crew of the Maersk Alabama had retaken the ship and was holding one of the pirates in custody. Further reports stated that a hostage exchange had occured, in which the Maersk Alabama's captain, Richard Phillips, was taken by the pirates, who fled on the ship's 28-foot lifeboat.CNN.com: Crew Member Says One Pirate 'Taken Down'