PIRATE UPDATE - AT 3:06 P.M. ET:  From the BBC:

There are conflicting reports about whether the US crew of a container ship seized by pirates off Somalia have regained full control of the ship.

Relatives of the Maersk Alabama's 20 crew and Pentagon sources were quoted in the US media as saying the ship was back under control after a struggle.

But more recent reports suggested the captain of the vessel might still be in the hands of the hijackers.

It was the sixth ship seized off Somalia in recent days.

It is reportedly the first time in 200 years that a US-flagged vessel has been seized by pirates.

COMMENT:  We'll watch for updates.  Certainly takes the White House off the hook if it's true.  Of course, again if true, it took a struggle to regain control, which may tell the president something about the value of strength.

April 8, 2009