NEW : U.S. ship attacks boat carrying pirates , U.S. citizen held hostage . One of ship 's first officer believes attack is ` ` a wake - up call for pirates '' In 2008 , Somalia-based pirates attacked more than 100 ships in the gulf or off the Horn of Africa , capturing about 40 of them . Maersk Alabama is first U.S. ship seized in latest wave of piracy off Somalia . Ship carrying 5,000 metric tons of relief bound for 3 African nations .
NEW : U.S. ship attacks boat carrying pirates , U.S. citizen held hostage . One of ship 's first officer believes attack is ` ` a wake - up call for pirates '' Maersk Alabama is first U.S. ship seized in latest wave of piracy off Somalia . Ship carrying 5,000 metric tons of relief bound for 3 African nations .