Abbas , still using the name " Abu Khaled , " was later able to contact the ship by naval radio from Port Said . Abbas told Majed to treat the passengers well and to apologize to them , the crew , and the captain . He told Majed to tell them that their objective was not to take control of the ship and that their friendship with Italy was " so important that it is unthinkable that any action would be taken against our European friends . " Abbas then spoke to Captain De Rosa ; he apologized to him , saying , " We are truly sorry , because we did n't intend to hijack you , but our situation was such that we had to assume control for several hours . " De Rosa replied " I am familiar with your situation and I understand it well . We understand the Palestinians , we understand the Palestinian aspirations , and for that reason we are all with you . " The radio contact allowed the International community to pinpoint the location of the vessel . The Israelis were able to provide information about Abba 's radio discussions with the ship to the Reagan administration and notified them that it was Abbas ' faction behind the hijacking . Fearing that the terrorists threat to kill passengers had been followed through , and not wanting a repeat of the TWA Flight 847 terrorist incident where the administration looked impotent to act , the American special forces staged in Cyprus were ordered to make preparations to storm the vessel
TWA Flight 847
TWA Flight 847
Achille Lauro hijacking