At Some Point, Piracy Becomes Intolerable

[billt]

trained security teams on board could be an equalizer.  They can be offloaded past the "danger zone" offshore, and it would still be cheaper than ransoms.

That's another thing. This is all happening in a small area off the Somali coast. It's not as if there would be a danger of shooting the wrong people. If a skiff loaded with blacks is closing in running full bore, it's a safe bet they're not bringing more ice for the Smoked Salmon.  Bill T.

[deepwater]

the Maritime Administration just issued an advisary (29/March) about increased pirate attacks off the horn of Africa and Indian Ocean. if you google pirate reports you'll be surprised at the numbers, and then remember that not all attacks/attempts are reported. we have taken security teams when going to certain areas of the world and yes it can be done, secure lockers for the arms and tell the country you are entering to allow it or forget our business. (lots o' money to be lost there)
anyone heard of Q-ships from WWII? ragged old freighters armed to the teeth and sent out as decoys to attract subs. seeing as these thugs often can't tell the difference between a merchant and a navy ship, I think it would work. sign me up. (though I do like TW's boat better)
deepwater

[deepwater]

here's a link to the MARAD website dealing with piracy

http://www.marad.dot.gov/news_room_landing_page/horn_of_africa_piracy/horn_of_africa_piracy.htm

[Pathfinder]

That's another thing. This is all happening in a small area off the Somali coast. It's not as if there would be a danger of shooting the wrong people. If a skiff loaded with blacks is closing in running full bore, it's a safe bet they're not bringing more ice for the Smoked Salmon.  Bill T.

Given that some of these pirates hit 1000 or 1500 miles off shore, that makes the problem a little more difficult. The mother ships are going to look like any other trawler.

Besides, I think there are still pirates in other areas, like the South Chine Sea and off SE Asia IIRC.

[deepwater]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100401/ap_on_re_af/af_piracy

NAIROBI, Kenya – U.S. naval forces say they've captured five pirates after exchanging fire with them, sinking their skiff and confiscating a mother ship.

The USS Nicholas came under fire early Thursday from pirates in an area west of the Seychelles.

The U.S. Africa Command said the five pirates seized would remain in U.S. custody on board the frigate for time time being. The Nicholas is home-ported in Norfolk, Va.

International naval forces have stepped up their enforcement of the waters off East Africa in an effort to thwart a growing pirate trade.

Experts say piracy will continue to be a problem until an effective government is established on Somalia's lawless shores. The country has not had a functioning government for 19 years



here they go again.....
deepwater

[Sponsor]

[Hazcat]

Firing on a US Navy ship is not conducive to a long and happy existence.

[Pathfinder]

Firing on a US Navy ship is not conducive to a long and happy existence smart, especially when al you have is RPGs and AKs!.

FIFY

[billt]

I think this has reached enough of a critical mass that it would warrant finding this "mother ship", and simply blow it out of the water. Let the UN, and whoever else cry. They've become nothing more than an intrusive, expensive annoyance.  Bill T.

[tombogan03884]

I think this has reached enough of a critical mass that it would warrant finding this "mother ship", and simply blow it out of the water. Let the UN, and whoever else cry. They've become nothing more than an intrusive, expensive annoyance. Bill T.

The pirates ?  Or the UN ?

[billt]

The pirates ?  Or the UN ?

BOTH! The pirates are far less expensive however.  Bill T.