Pirates Killed As Captain Is Rescued

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Navy has rescued the American sea captain held by Somali pirates.

A senior U.S. intelligence official said hostage Richard Phillips was not hurt in what appeared to be a swift firefight off the Somali coast on Sunday. Phillips was safely transported to a Navy warship nearby.

The official said three pirates were killed. The official said a pirate who had been involved in negotiations to free the American but who was not on the lifeboat where the captain was being held was taken into custody.

The official was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

A Pentagon spokesman did not have an immediate comment.