Book tour brings pirate-ordeal captain to Norfolk today

It's been a year since Richard Phillips, the Maersk container ship captain taken hostage last April by Somali pirates, made his daring escape with the help of Norfolk-based sailors and Navy SEALs.

The way he tells it, not much about his life has changed.

He lives in the same small town in northwestern Vermont and he works for the same sea transport company. "Same house, same car, same dog," Phillips said in an interview Monday. "It was a good life before, and it's still a good life."

He admits, though, that at least a few things are different. He has met the president and made more national television appearances than he can count. He's halfway through a three-week publicity tour promoting a new book about his time as a hostage; he'll stop in Norfolk today. Phillips wil sign copies of his book at 7 p.m. at Nauticus. Tickets are $5 at Prince Books, 109 E. Main St., Norfolk.

Perhaps the biggest change has been all the time he's spent on land in the past year. "This is the longest I've been in one place since college," the 54-year-old said.

And that, too, is about to change. Phillips said he recently decided that he's not ready to retire. Instead, he'll head out to sea this summer for the first time since his ordeal as a hostage. "I'm looking forward to getting back to the world and to the people that I know."

The Pilot asked Phillips about the year since his escape, his new book and the future of piracy. His answers have been lightly edited for clarity and length.

Q. What has been the biggest highlight of the past year?

A. I treasure the Celtics game, meeting President Obama, attending the Red Sox game - a win against the Yankees no less - enjoying the Washington opera, and the many great people I've met. But to pick one, it would have to be the event I attended in Florida at the National Navy SEAL Museum, and [meeting] all the people involved with that great institution. If anybody has a chance, it's a must-see.

Q. Will you ever go back to the waters near the Horn of Africa as a merchant mariner?

A. Yes. I will and would return to this area as long as the proper assets are in place. My company has acted in the correct manner and is taking appropriate steps for the crews' safety.

Q. What advice would you give to merchant mariners working in places where pirates are known to operate?

A. Train, train, train - and then practice some more. Be prepared. Hope for the best but plan for the worst. Constant vigilance is the price of safety in any matter, be it a fire, a man overboard or a pirate attack. I know my fellow brothers and sisters in the merchant marines are more then capable and equal to this task.

Q. What do you hope readers will take away from your book?

A. We're all stronger than we know. We all have it within ourselves to handle far more than we give ourselves credit for.

Q. Are you following the criminal case against the pirate who survived your rescue? What outcome would you like to see?

A. I am a non-political animal. I live in the United States, and believe in our system. He is innocent until proven guilty, and it will be a judge who rightfully assigns any guilt or punishment, as he or she sees fit. The irony is that [the pirate] is afforded rights that he was willing to take away from others. But that is why our system is so envied around the world.

Q. Are there specific steps you think the international community, the United States or your industry should take to try to combat piracy?

A. I believe - and these are my beliefs as a sailor first and a captain last - that we must put security teams aboard ships in certain areas - teams of retired special forces, SEALs, [Army] Rangers or Green Berets. We must arm ships and give training to their crews for these weapons. We must harden ships more and install real safe rooms with independent power, ventilation and communication abilities. There should be a 911-type center to quickly contact ships and naval forces. The technology for detection must also be upgraded.

Q. The film rights to your book have been optioned by a production company. Any suggestions for who should play you?

A. I am sure who ever plays me will do fine, but front-runners could be Danny DeVito or Queen Latifah.

For more information about the event, call (757) 622-9223.

Corinne Reilly, (757) 446-2949, corinne.reilly@pilotonline.com