Pirate Hostage Escapee Still Coping
ATM Reza of West Hartford stabbed the pirate who attacked with an ice pick and shares the story of the ordeal.
It's been four months since Somali pirates stormed aboard the Maersk Alabama, terrorizing the U.S.-based crew before taking its Captain hostage in a small lifeboat.
Since the ordeal and the daring rescue of Captain Richard Phillips by the U.S. Navy, life has dramatically changed for many of the people on board that ship.
Navy Seals shot and killed the three pirates who held Philips hostage for days, while a fourth pirate was already in U.S. custody. Phillips came home to a hero's welcome, as did his crew.
The captain has since met President Barack Obama and thrown out the first pitch at a Red Sox game. There is also a book and movie in the works. But will he go back to sea? In an exclusive Today Show follow-up interview with Matt Lauer, Phillips said "I really haven't made my mind up. I'm looking at other options."
It's a tough question for others on board the Maersk Alabama. In West Hartford, it hasn't been easy for ATM Reza, who stabbed one of the pirates during the attack. He's still haunted by his face-to-face encounter with the pirates. While he's turned down some national interviews, he plans to participate in an upcoming documentary on piracy. For now, he's undergoing counseling and says he has nightmares almost every night.
"I'm really scared to go back to sea. It's really hard for me. It's really scary," said Reza.
When asked if he will ever go back to sea, Reza said, "I don't know. If I could not find any land job. If I could not find anything on the land, then I don't have any other option. Back to sea, but this time I'll make sure it's a safe route."
Reza calls Phillips a hero, and hopes all aboard the Maersk Alabama can reunite soon.
"I'm proud of the US Navy. I'm really proud of them. They did the right thing," said Reza.
Posted Friday, Aug 14, 2009 - 12:01 AM EST
