On March 28, 2009, Richard Phillips, portrayed by Tom Hanks, resides in Underhill, Vermont, with his wife, Andrea, played by Catherine Keener, and their two children, Dan and Mariah. Phillips embarks on a journey to Oman to command the MV Maersk Alabama. His crew consists of first officer Shane Murphy, chief engineer Mike Perry, helmsman Ken Quinn, and other members including John, William, Ian, Ethan, and Andrew.

The MV Maersk Alabama, an unarmed container ship, is tasked with sailing from Port of Salalah in Oman through the Gulf of Aden to Mombasa, carrying an assortment of cargo, food aid, and essential resources. Given the rising threats from Somali pirates, Phillips takes proactive measures to ensure the vessel’s security by implementing strict protocols and conducting rigorous drills.

Meanwhile, in the pirate-infested waters, the Somali pirates, led by Abduwali Muse played by Barkhad Abdi, set their sights on the Alabama as it travels alone. During a training exercise, Phillips manages to outmaneuver an initial pirate attack, but the crew knows that danger still lingers. The next day, Muse and his heavily armed gang, including Adan Bilal played by Barkhad Addirahman, successfully board the ship, taking control and capturing Phillips.

Despite Phillips’s attempts to negotiate using the ship’s safe containing $30,000, Muse is adamant about ransoming the ship for millions instead. Tensions rise as the pirates face obstacles, including injuries sustained during the boarding and dwindling supplies of their stimulant, Khat.

As the chaotic situation escalates, Phillips cleverly uses the ship’s features to his advantage, managing to turn the tables momentarily. A desperate trade is outlined; Phillips offers to give the pirates a lifeboat in exchange for their demands. However, the plan backfires, leading to Phillips being forced into the lifeboat while the pirates aim to escape.

In the lifeboat, Phillips faces mounting tension among the pirates as they grapple with dwindling resources, all while being pursued by the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Bainbridge. Phillips cleverly employs first aid techniques to treat one of the pirates, Bilal, who is suffering from injuries. Meanwhile, the Navy prepares to intervene by any means necessary, leading to a high-stakes standoff.

Just when it seems all hope is lost, Phillips seizes an opportunity to escape and swim towards the Navy ships. Amidst the chaos, the Navy’s SEAL Team parachutes in to assist, and a dramatic rescue ensues. In a tense final confrontation, three SEAL marksmen neutralize the pirates threatening Phillips just as he is about to be executed.

Ultimately, Phillips is rescued and reunited with his family on April 17th, while Muse is captured, convicted of piracy, and sentenced to serve 33 years in an Indiana prison. Throughout this harrowing ordeal, Phillips exhibits remarkable resilience and bravery, a testament to the human spirit in the face of adversity.