Arts & Entertainment

Mass. Maritime Grads Get Worldwide Attention With 'Captain Phillips'

The story of two grads of nearby Mass. Maritime Academy in Buzzard's Bay has been made into the blockbuster "Captain Phillips."

When it comes to getting credit for their accomplishments, our merchant mariners have often taken a backseat to their counterparts in the Navy.

The release of Tom Hanks' new movie, "Captain Phillips," has focused new attention on the dangerous work done by merchant sailors. They're due some credit. You might be surprised to know that 90 percent of all cargo still moves by ship.

The film has staff and students at Mass. Maritime Academy in Buzzard's Bay walking a little taller, according to the attached video from WCVB.

The movie tells the harrowing story of the capture in 2009 of the Maersk Alabama, a cargo ship commanded by two Mass. Maritime graduates: Captain Rich Phillips (Class of 1979) and Chief Mate Shane Murphy (Class of 2001). Murphy has since gained his own captaincy.  


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