UPDATE V: Maersk Alabama attacked by pirates Maersk Alabama Situation: 1700 EDT Update http://www.maersklinelimited.com We want to respond to inquiries with the most recent information in a consistent manner. First of all, we would like to extend to the families of the crew and the captain of the Maersk Alabama our thoughts and prayers. As [...]

Here is the latest directly from Maersk:

Maersk Alabama Situation: 0600 EDT Update

Norfolk, Va., 9 April 2009: The current situation involving the Maersk Alabama has remained much the same throughout the night. The ship’s crewmembers have been accounted for and are safely aboard the vessel. However, the ship’s captain remains in the custody of the pirates, who departed in one of the ship’s encapsulated life boats on April 8.

The U.S. flagged M/V Maersk Alabama has been hijacked by pirates approximately 280 miles (450 kilometers) northeast of Eyl, a town in the northern Puntland region of Somalia. The ship reportedly has 21 U.S. citizens aboard and is the first U.S. flagged vessel to be hijacked by Somali pirates.