Obama monitoring pirate situation

As the hostage situation with a U.S. vessel and Somali pirates lasted into its second day, the White House said Thursday that President Obama is keeping “apprised” of the situation and continues to be concerned about the safety of the ship’s captain and crew.

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said the president has spoken with the commander of the Fifth Fleet, and the Navy and the FBI are “on the scene” so “the resources of our government are deployed in ensuring the safety and security of the captain and crew.”

Gibbs said the interagency group on maritime safety, which includes representatives from the Justice, Commerce, Homeland Security and Energy departments and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is focused on the situation.

“Obviously, [Obama’s] main concern is for the safety of the captain and the rest of the crew of the ship,” Gibbs said. He added: “At this point, he’s staying apprised of the situation.”