NEW : Maersk Alabama eluded pirates for more than three hours . Crew says hijacker released in hopes of freeing captain , but hijackers reneged . 4 hijackers boarded Maersk Alabama off coast of Africa . Joe Murphy said his son was in contact with the pirates Wednesday evening , helping negotiate for the release of the captain . They demanded to be taken to Somalia and held hostage until the ship was paid a ransom.
NEW : Maersk Alabama eluded pirates for more than three hours . Crew says hijacker released in hopes of freeing captain , but hijackers reneged . 4 hijackers boarded Maersk Alabama off coast of Africa . They demanded to be taken to Somalia and held hostage until the ship was paid a ransom.