Yet another.

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/apr/08/so mali-pirates-ship-hijack

Earlier I posted a question regarding Somali pirates, which incidently got no replies.

Unfortunately there has now been another high-jacking, can this be allowed to go on?

They state that an EU coalition taskforce is �stationed off the coast in an attempt to deter raids, obviously this is not working, so what more can be done?

[RufusDufus]

Arm and train all ships crews in the use of rpgs and sniper rifles would be a good start,seriously how does a loose bunch of individuals hijack aship and then get away while the live news is being shown around the world? Surely a helicopter and navy would follow from a safe distance and demand the hijackers to give up and any shooting will be answered by them being blown out of the water?

[jake-the-peg]

This boat was actually due to join up with a convoy shortly before it was hijacked.

I don't think many of the crewmen on these supertankers - many of whom are poorly paid from various parts of the world are going to be lining up to shoulder weapons and start shooting at pirates like some first person shoot-em-up game.

Rufus seems to be advocating blowing up the supertankers full of oil with pirates and hostages on board.

Not to mention existing hostages in Somali ports.

There might just be a teensy weensy problem with this idea

[Julnar]

I am amazed that companies allow their ships to travel in these waters without the necessary security officers on board. Yes, it would prove expensive, but surely it would be safer for the crews and cheaper than losing a ship and its cargo.

[anotheoldgit]

Rufus seems to be advocating blowing up the supertankers full of oil with pirates and hostages on board.

I don't think so not in the first instance anyhow.

The majority of these ships are highjacked by a small bands of pirates from small outboard-motor vessels.

Don't you think Jake that armed crew firing down on them from the great height of an ocean going tanker have a slight edge.

[RufusDufus]

Jake i actually meant once the pirates had left the hostages on the tanker and were making their getaway with the ransom.

And jake,if those were my tankers and my money,then believe you me they'd be armed to the teeth to protect my investment!

[craft1948]

the first cruise I went on I couldn't believe it when the captain gave a warning about pirates - I waited for Johnny Depp to turn up.....

[terambulan]

hijacked 4 boats - good luck to 'em; insurance will cover. Sail a different route!

[rov1200]

The Gulf of ADEN is a vey wide stretch of water to patrol. I believe it is about 400 miles wide between Somalia and the Yemen and they are travelling great distances in their mother boats before using their small landing craft. Once the raid takes place I assume the authorities are easily able to track them. They have yet to kill one hostage. Maybe we should call their bluff and once a ship is hijacked take retalitary action. It may prevent further escalation.

[Haggisdj]

I like your thinking docspock... but why stop there!!