![Captain Phillips mistake picture](/images/screenshots/198000-198999/198748_sm.jpg)
Continuity mistake: When Captain Phillips is telling members of the Navy that he is in Seat 15, a Naval CPO writes the words "Seat 15" below "Captain Phillips" on the board. A scene or two later, the words "Seat 15" are to the right of "CAPT PHILLIPS." Also, "Captain Phillips" is now "CAPT PHILLIPS." (01:28:05 - 01:49:45)
Answer: If they pay the pirates, it encourages more to try the same thing. Shooting them would discourage anyone else from attempting to use a hostage to extort money.