The ship’s captain who allowed himself to be taken hostage by pirates so his crew could find safety has been given the Seamen’s Institute Courage at Sea Award.
Captain Richard Phillips, who was rescued by U.S. Navy Seals from captivity among Somali pirates on Easter Day (April 12), has been awarded with the first Courage at Sea Award by the Seamen’s Church Institute of New York and New Jersey (SCI).
More than 900 guests from the church and maritime industry gave Phillips two standing ovations as he accepted the award on June 11 at SCI’s 32nd annual Silver Bell Awards dinner in New York City. Church leaders in attendance included Bishop Mark S. Sisk of New York and the Rev. Dr. James Cooper, rector of Trinity Church, Wall Street.
Reported by Episcopal Life Online.