April 12, 2009 Ordeal not over until captain is freed Play video

(NECN: John Moroney, Bourne, Mass.) - The Maersk Alabama arrived at the port city of Mombasa, Kenya days after being hijacked by Somali pirates.

The cargo ship was captained by Second-In-Command Shane Murphy of Seekonk, Massachusetts. But the Alabama's Captain, Richard Phillips, remained a hostage of the pirates on a lifeboat off the coast of Africa.

Murphy's father, Captain Joe Murphy, spoke with his son on Saturday.

"Our family is thrilled, obviously," Captain Joe Murphy said. "It's the best Easter you could ever get."

But with Captain Phillips still held captive, Murphy had nothing but admiration for the former Mass Maritime graduate.

"Everybody here at Mass Maritime -- all his classmates, mariners around the world -- we're just impressed," Captain Joe Murphy said. "I think once in a while we need a reminder that that form of courage still exists."

Phillips was recaptured by Somali pirates after he jumped into the water in an attempted escape on Friday morning.

Maersk's president said 'perfect execution' will be required for Phillips to return safely.

Captain Tom Bushy, the master of the TS Kennedy, said that he will rethink the training of cadets at Mass Maritime Academy.

"Certainly, going to change some of the teaching styles the professors do over there, it will change some of the

NECN's John Moroney reports.