CRI听力：U.S.-flagged Cargo Ship Escorted to Kenya, Captain Still Held by Pirates

The U.S.-flagged cargo ship Maersk Alabama has headed to Kenya under the escort of a U.S. security team.

The ship was attacked by pirates off the Somali coast on Wednesday.

FBI negotiators are trying to secure the release of the ship's captain Richard Phillips, who is still being held by the pirates in a lifeboat.

A U.S. destroyer is now in position near the lifeboat believed to be carrying Phillips and the pirates.

US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says the White House is dealing with the situation.

"These people are nothing more than criminals, and we are bringing to bear a number of our assets including naval and FBI work in order to resolve the hostage situation and bring the pirates to justice."

Kevin Speers, a spokesman for the Maersk shipping company, says the pirates have made no demands yet to the company and the captain is not harmed.

The Maersk Alabama was on its way to the Kenyan port of Mombasa loaded with food aid when the pirates attacked it.

It was the first time in recent history that pirates targeted a U.S.-flagged ship.