Massachusetts Maritime Academy , a top-ranked public university with undergraduate degree programs focusing on science, engineering, technology, math, and business that blend academics and experiential learning, has partnered with the Chatham Marconi Maritime Center to host Captain Richard Phillips, whose now famous hostage standoff with Somali pirates inspired his New York Times Best Seller, A Captain’s Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALs and Dangerous Days at Sea, and a movie starring Tom Hanks.

Capt. Phillips will discuss his encounter, remarkable rescue and lessons learned, as part of the Ed Fouhy Speaker Series program, presented by the Chatham Marconi Maritime Center and held at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s Admirals Hall, 101 Academy Drive, Buzzards Bay.

The hostage standoff began on Wednesday, April 8, 2009, when a small band of Somali pirates swung a ladder from their skiff onto the MV Maersk Alabama, a US-flagged container ship ferrying food aid to refugees in Kenya. It was the first hijacking of a U.S. ship in more than 200 years. Capt. Phillips became the center of an extraordinary international drama when he was taken hostage by the pirates who attacked his ship. The incident held the world’s attention for five days, ending in his climactic rescue by US Navy SEALs from the USS Bainbridge. Phillips’ story, detailed in his best-selling book, was the basis for the Academy Award-nominated film “Captain Phillips” starring Tom Hanks.

The Thursday, October 6th program will begin at 7:00 p.m. General Admission tickets are $20 each in advance for the in-person event at Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA), or $25 at the door. A book signing will follow the program, with books available for purchase. Proof of COVID vaccination is required by MMA. The event will also be available at home via Zoom for $10. Tickets may be purchased via the Center’s website ChathamMarconi.org. Special rates apply for Students and Center members.

“It is a privilege to partner with the Chatham Marconi Maritime Center to present what is certain to be a fascinating presentation by Capt. Phillips,” said Rear Admiral Francis X. McDonald, USMS, president of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. “The entire MMA community looks forward to this program, one that is expected to draw a large audience.”