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Is the movie Captain Phillips (2013) based on a true story?

Olivia Thompson Olivia Thompson Nov 04, 2016 · 2 mins read
Is the movie Captain Phillips (2013) based on a true story?
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Yes, the movie Captain Phillips (2013) is based on a true story. It is based on the hijacking of the MV Maersk Alabama by Somali pirates in 2009 and the subsequent rescue of Captain Richard Phillips by the U.S. Navy.

What is the true story behind the movie Captain Phillips (2013)?

The movie Captain Phillips is based on the true story of the hijacking of the Maersk Alabama, a container ship, by Somali pirates in 2009. Captain Richard Phillips was in charge of the ship, which was carrying aid supplies to Africa, when four armed pirates boarded the vessel while it was passing through the Gulf of Aden.

The pirates demanded a ransom for the safe release of the crew and the ship, and held Captain Phillips captive for several days in a lifeboat. During a rescue attempt by the U.S. Navy, the pirates were killed and Captain Phillips was rescued.

Captain Phillips later wrote a book, A Captain’s Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALs, and Dangerous Days at Sea, which details his experience during the hijacking. The movie adaptation, directed by Paul Greengrass and starring Tom Hanks as Captain Phillips, was released in 2013 and received critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of the events.

Are there any books about the true story behind the movie Captain Phillips (2013)?

Yes, there are several books about the true story behind the movie Captain Phillips. The most popular ones are:

  1. A Captain’s Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALs, and Dangerous Days at Sea by Richard Phillips and Stephan Talty - This is the memoir of the real Captain Phillips, who was held hostage by Somali pirates for five days in 2009.

  2. Pirate Hunting: The Fight Against Pirates, Privateers, and Sea Raiders from Antiquity to the Present by Benerson Little - This book explores the history of piracy and discusses how modern piracy has affected global shipping.

  3. The Pirates of Somalia: Inside Their Hidden World by Jay Bahadur - This book provides an in-depth look at the culture and activities of contemporary Somali pirates, including the hijacking of the Maersk Alabama, which is the basis for the Captain Phillips movie.

You can try an audible free trial and search for audiobook versions of those

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Olivia Thompson
Written by Olivia Thompson
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