Washington  - The captain of a US-operated ship who was abducted by Somalian pirates for several days returned home to the United States on Friday.

A smiling Richard Phillips was greeted by his family shortly after his plane touched down in Burlington, Vermont, his home state. After spending some moments alone with his wife, son, daughter and mother, Phillips addressed reporters.

"I just want to thank you for your prayers and support," Phillips, 53, said.

Phillips was the captain of the US-flagged Maersk Alabama when it was stormed by pirates in the Indian Ocean on April 8. The 19-member crew fought off the pirates before they were able to abduct Phillips.

Phillips spent five days on a lifeboat with three pirates as the small vessel was shadowed by the US Navy. On Sunday, three Navy SEAL snipers aboard the USS Bainbridge fired three simultaneous shots and killed the pirates, freeing Phillips.

The SEALs are "superheroes," Phillips said. "They did the impossible with me."

The seizing of the Alabama brought heightened attention to piracy, which has risen dramatically off Somalia's coast in the last year. The pirates take the ships and their crew hoping to receive a hefty ransom.

US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton announced on Wednesday that the United States was seeking an immediate international meeting to expand counter-piracy efforts.

Phillips returned from Kenya, where he was taken after his rescue. His 19 crew members returned to the United States on Thursday. (dpa)