The MV Maersk Alabama is a container ship that gained international attention in 2009 when it was hijacked by Somali pirates. The vessel was operating off the coast of Somalia, a region known for piracy, and was carrying cargo from the United States to Kenya. During the hijacking, the ship's captain, Richard Phillips, was taken hostage. The U.S. Navy intervened, leading to a dramatic rescue operation that resulted in the captain's safe recovery and the deaths of three pirates. The incident highlighted the ongoing issues of maritime security and piracy in the region.