9781422277157

Pirates operating in the Indian Ocean relied on small, fast craft like this one to reach their targets.

Phillips ordered more power to the Alabama ’s engines and radically changed course. “I wanted to make a drastic course correction that the pi- rate—if that’s what he was—would recognize, to show him we knew he was up ahead and waiting for us,” wrote Phillips. Phillips scanned the horizon for more ships, but did not see any. For half an hour Phillips kept his eyes trained on the mysterious vessel as the Alabama swam away. It didn’t come closer. “I think we’re good,” Phillips said as he walked back to his cabin and crawled into bed.

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