Local Connection to Pirate Attacks

By Prescott Carlson in News on Apr 15, 2009 3:45PM

Thomas Urbik from suburban Wheaton is on the crew of the Liberty Sun ship, which was attacked Tuesday by Somali pirates -- one of four ships attacked yesterday as "vengeance" for the five pirates killed in other rescue attempts last weekend. Unlike other ships where "oil for ransom" has been the target, the Liberty Sun was carrying food aid to Africa. Urbik was able to keep in contact with his family at home via email, telling them, "We are under attack by pirates, we are being hit by rockets. Also bullets. We are barricaded in the engine room and so far no one is hurt. a rocket penetrated the bulkhead but the hole is small. Small fire too but put out. Navy is on the way and helos and ships are coming. I'll try to send you another message soon. got to go now. I love you mom and dad and all my brothers and family." Fortunately the attackers did not board the ship, and by the time the USS Bainbridge destroyer arrived to the rescue, they had already left. A French warship that is part of the EU piracy patrol was able to capture all 11 pirates hours later. [D-H]