Celebrating freedom from Somali pirates

West Hartford (WTNH) - The wife of a Connecticut crew member onboard the Maersk Alabama says her husband is considering whether he should give up his job.

ATM Zahid Reza is a merchant marine from West Hartford has been front and center among the 19-crew members aboard the Maersk Alabama. In one video, he's seen holding the American Flag as the crew celebrate their captain's freedom from pirates.

"They never had control," ATM Reza said.

Reza told his wife Elizabeth Pond-Reza he fought off one of the pirates early on by stabbing him. In another piece of video you can see Reza motioning, showing reporters how he stabbed the pirate in the hand.

We are learning through reports that the lone pirate now in custody is in fact the pirate stabbed by Reza. Military sources told the Associated Press a wounded pirate asked to be taken to the USS Bainbridge for medical help. He had a stab wound to the hand, and was shuttled by a small boat to the Navy Vessel.

All that happened before U.S. Navy Seals stepped in to rescue the captain.

Elizabeth Pond-Reza says her husband was ready if pirates attacked.

"I talked to him before he left," she said. "He felt clear there was significant danger and had to be very careful, and had to know what to do in case of a pirate attack."

Pond-Reza and her 6-year-old son are grateful their loved one is safe, and no doubt are comforted by seeing ATM in videos kissing the American Flag and celebrating with his crewmates.

News Channel 8 has learned Reza called his wife from Kenya moments after news broke that his captain was freed, and said he was "terribly relieved" his captain was safe.

Even though the crew of the Maersk Alabama is celebrating, they're also very concerned for the safety of the more than 200 men and women who are still being held hostage by Somali pirates near Kenya.