MOBILE, Ala. (AP) — A multinational coalition must stand up against Somali pirates like the ones who raided an American cargo ship this week, the president of the company that manages the ship said Monday.

One country cannot stand alone against pirates like the ones who tried to hijack the M/V Maersk Alabama and held its American captain hostage, said Erik L. Johnsen, president of Mobile-based International Shipholding Corp., which manages the Alabama for owner Maersk Line Limited, based in Norfolk, Va. He said many seafaring nations must team to battle the problem.

“There’s a risk out there and we have to address it,” Johnsen told The Associated Press in an interview in his office overlooking Mobile’s harbor.

Johnsen said “vital trade lanes” must be protected, but declined to comment on whether the coast of Somalia should be avoided completely. Johnsen said he had not had time to put any recommendations for dealing with piracy in writing to any government or industry group because the hostage-taking had just ended Sunday.

“It was a very remarkable outcome,” he said. “I can’t tell you how pleased we are.”Johnsen said his firm was happy for the safe return of Maersk Alabama Capt. Richard Phillips. Johnsen said he spoke to Phillips’ wife on Sunday.

• Jennifer Loven