Pirates!

[Gnam]

7 ships in 12 days seized off Somali coast.
Who knew you could steal a super tanker?

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/11/18/international/i063658S03.DTL&tsp=1

[Sean Malone]

I remember being surprised when we took our first cruise back when we were first married and the fine print on the boarding pass said that they reserve the right to carry arms and run without lights.

I think the Somalian pirates need a smack down. Isn't Somalian money practically worthless, like a million dinars:US$1?

[Wally]

Someone much smarter than I explain why they allow this to continue?:confused:

[Stu]

Someone much smarter than I explain why they allow this to continue?:confused:

for the same reason household burglaries still happen

[dando]

A cruise ship attack has already happened.

http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/africa/11/05/somalia.pirates/index.html

A couple of years ago I caught a Discovery or History Channel program on new era pirate attacks. It's quite amazing what has been happening for years now. :eek:

-Kevin

[KLang]

I've been surprised that the countries with Navys haven't responded more forcefully to this stuff. Now that they've gone after the oil industry I expect that will finally change.

[Gnam]

Part of the problem is no one owns the sea lanes. So no one is responsible for keeping them clear.

The other problem is no one runs Somalia. So there's no pressure on the "Pirate dens" either.

Asymmetrical warfare can be frustrating.

[Sean Malone]

Part of the problem is no one owns the sea lanes. So no one is responsible for keeping them clear.

The other problem is no one runs Somalia. So there's no pressure on the "Pirate dens" either.

Asymmetrical warfare can be frustrating.

I say let the US, Euro and Russia get some target practice in. Sink anything that even looks like a boat off the coast of Somalia.

For the common good et al. ;)

[Gnam]

Pirates used to turn captured ships into their new flagships. Wonder if they'll keep the Super Tanker as a floating base. :laugh:

[Andrew Longman]

I say let the US, Euro and Russia get some target practice in. Sink anything that even looks like a boat off the coast of Somalia.

For the common good et al. ;)

I think it might be getting close to that. This latest is frustrating because it was so far off the coast. That ups the game to a whole lotta more square miles to patrol.

Might be a good mission for a couple of pilotless Predators in perpetual search and destroy mode. I'm not sure of the legality of it but given the circumstances I think it probably would be OK to say that you shouldn't be floating in international waters in those parts in a speedboat unless you want to get up close and personal with a Hellfire missile.

[oddlycalm]

I think it might be getting close to that. This latest is frustrating because it was so far off the coast. That ups the game to a whole lotta more square miles to patrol.
Yep, at this point you are talking from 200 miles off the coast of Kenya to the Gulf of Aden. That's an area several times the size of Texas so random patrols or flyovers aren't going to work.

These people have nothing to lose and unlimited time to come up with new twists and turns. Convoys, armed escorts, armed force on ships...? Whatever the solution it'll be inconvenient and expensive I imagine.

The permanent solution would be to park a carrier group over there and keep an AWACS in the air full time. Any boat below a certain size or above a certain speed gets scrutinized by air and dealt with if necessary. The question would be where to send the bill.

oc

[cameraman]

The real problem is you have a VLCC being piloted by illiterate gunmen. The MV Sirius Star is loaded with 2,000,000 barrels vs the Exxon Valdez at 1,260,000. Think about this, the Valdez only spilled 20% of its cargo.:eek:

[Insomniac]

I say let the US, Euro and Russia get some target practice in. Sink anything that even looks like a boat off the coast of Somalia.

For the common good et al. ;)

Torpedo practice?

[SteveH]

Serious question, would ships be insured against piracy? Who would ever think a huge oil tanker could be hijacked?

[STD]

The warlords are on a streak.
Who is backing them?

[stroker]

The Army's working on some modular packs to put miniguns on platforms that will bolt right in to the back of a Humvee or similar vehicles.

Seems to me that something like that (x 12, whatever) mounted on the average ship motoring past Somalia would work pretty well as Pirate Deterrent.

[redmist]

Pirates used to turn captured ships into their new flagships. Wonder if they'll keep the Super Tanker as a floating base. :laugh:


thanks, now all i can picture is dennis hopper in waterworld.;)

[G.]

The Army's working on some modular packs to put miniguns on platforms that will bolt right in to the back of a Humvee or similar vehicles.

Seems to me that something like that (x 12, whatever) mounted on the average ship motoring past Somalia would work pretty well as Pirate Deterrent.
Cheaper.

http://tonova.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/madeuce.jpg

[Ankf00]

anyone know the status on the shipment of tanks to kenya from a couple months back?

nevermind, last line int he article:

The U.S. Navy is still surrounding a Ukrainian ship loaded with tanks and other weaponry that was seized by pirates Sept. 25 off the Somali coast.

:laugh: srsly, what are those ****sticks going to do with heavy armor they don't know how to operate, maintain, or even unload

[Michaelhatesfans]

:laugh: srsly, what are those ****sticks going to do with heavy armor they don't know how to operate, maintain, or even unload

It's about the ransom.

[Elmo T]

Indian Navy 1
Pirates 0

INS Tabar sank the pirate "mother ship" after it failed to stop for investigation and opened fire instead (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7736885.stm)

[chop456]

Damn. :(

http://www.backspin.de/uploads/tx_bsprintimport/082-WBITD_Parliament-MothershipC.jpg

Godspeed, Dr. Funkenstein.

[sadams]

A couple of 688's or Virginia class SSN's would do wonders. Gee Mr. Pirate I don't know why your boat just up and exploded !!! Sink a few of those patrol boats they are running and you'd scare them back near shore.

[dando]

You sank my battleship! :gomer:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/11/19/somalia.pirates/index.html


An Indian warship has exchanged fire with a pirate "mother vessel" off the hijacking-plagued Horn of Africa, leaving the ship ablaze in the Gulf of Aden, an official said Wednesday.

The skirmish took place Tuesday evening about 525 kilometers southwest of Oman's Salalah port when the frigate INS Tabar spotted a suspected pirate ship with two speedboats in tow, India's Defense Ministry reported.

The pirate ship was badly damaged, said spokesman Nirad Sinha, but he could not confirm reports it had sunk.

:thumbup:

-Kevin

[Al Czervik]

Might be time to update the chart.
http://www.venganza.org/piratesarecool4.gif

Haven't heard much about global warming lately, have we???

[coolhand]

The reason western Navy's do nothing is due to the lack of legal framework. The UK Foreign Ministry has already told the Royal Navy not to capture Priates because there is no "Laws" in how to deal with it.

The Danes captured a boat of Pirates and then were told they had to let them go. They dumped them off on the beach in Northern Somalia.

Now the US Navy has its hands tied due to the controversy of Guantanamo Bay and "Secret Prisons" on US Navy ships. So if we capture the pirates it will cause all the same problems with ACLU lawyers etc.

The Irony is that the reason we have a Constitution instead of the Articles of the Confederation was so we could have a Navy that fights Piracy. Now because of lawyers back home they are afraid do anything.

Russia has a Frigate down there and India has shown they are not afraid to shoot them up. Hopefully they will get things done.

[dando]

Haven't heard much about global warming lately, have we???

It's not in the headlines, but I still see story links on Drudge daily. Gore is still out there hugging trees. Freaking January temps here. :irked: :saywhat:

-Kevin

[Sean Malone]

Watched a docu the other night that showed a portion of the artic the size of California that melted. global warming is a fact, whether it is caused by man made emissions or just a natural earth cycle is the debate. But the fact remains that green house particulates are higher than has ever been recorded.

[KLang]

Thanks Coolhand. That makes sense.

[Michaelhatesfans]

Sink a few of those patrol boats they are running and you'd scare them back near shore.

Dream on. These guys have absolutely nothing to lose, and fear is a relative term for them. You have generations that have existed on nothing but dust and hate for all of their miserable lives, and now they've got a chance to strike it rich. With the conditions there, the risk is relatively low (average lifespan around 45) and life is cheap. You're not going to intimidate these guys. You can review Blackhawk Down for a reminder of the mindset that you're dealing with.

Next time someone says, "Why should I care what goes on a country halfway around the world?" just kick them square in the nuts as hard as you can. It would make the world a better place. And even if it didn't, at least it would make their nuts hurt for a while.

[G.]

What if we sent a bunch of zombies after the pirates? The zombies don't really have to follow any international laws, what with the brain-eating and stuff.

When the zombies finish off the pirates, then the people in the area can just deal with the zombies. Shouldn't be too hard, besides, who really cares what happens over there?






:wearing cup:

[Insomniac]

The reason western Navy's do nothing is due to the lack of legal framework. The UK Foreign Ministry has already told the Royal Navy not to capture Priates because there is no "Laws" in how to deal with it.

The Danes captured a boat of Pirates and then were told they had to let them go. They dumped them off on the beach in Northern Somalia.

Now the US Navy has its hands tied due to the controversy of Guantanamo Bay and "Secret Prisons" on US Navy ships. So if we capture the pirates it will cause all the same problems with ACLU lawyers etc.

The Irony is that the reason we have a Constitution instead of the Articles of the Confederation was so we could have a Navy that fights Piracy. Now because of lawyers back home they are afraid do anything.

Russia has a Frigate down there and India has shown they are not afraid to shoot them up. Hopefully they will get things done.

Since when did the U.S. Constitution stop the administration? :D

Personally, I doubt the ACLU would find much support if the US Navy was protecting Americans or American ships from pirates. Doing the work for another country on the other hand...

[STD]

The Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism is doing a heck of a job. :gomer:

[Sean Malone]

Black Water is now chomping at the bit to get a contract to tear into some pirates. Shadow military's, shadow police, 'national security forces'...now I'm truly scared. :shakehead

[TravelGal]

Forza India!

According to today's news anyway.

[stroker]

http://tonova.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/madeuce.jpg

Ma Duece x 2.

Now that's old school.

:cool:

[Ankf00]

why is our Navy supposed to be using it's resources to play world police?

world community already ought to pay us for keeping the straights of hormuz open for tanker traffic. deadbeats. :gomer:

[Michaelhatesfans]

...besides, who really cares what happens over there?


I see someone needs a house call from Dr. Marten.

:cool:

[coolhand]

why is our Navy supposed to be using it's resources to play world police?


http://www.amazon.com/Influence-Power-Upon-History-1660-1783/dp/0554363410/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1227167291&sr=8-1


Alfred Thayer Mahan :thumbup::thumbup:

[Insomniac]

Black Water is now chomping at the bit to get a contract to tear into some pirates. Shadow military's, shadow police, 'national security forces'...now I'm truly scared. :shakehead

Yes. I love it when the government pays contractors way more than people they already employ to do the same job. It must make the military feel so good that they get paid less and have more accountability.

[KLang]

Yes. I love it when the government pays contractors way more than people they already employ to do the same job. It must make the military feel so good that they get paid less and have more accountability.

In this case I don't it is the government, at least not our government, that would be hiring them. They are talking with the shipping companies.

[KLang]

Russia sending more ships. (http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/11/20/russia.pirates.navy.somalia/index.html)


A NATO-led international fleet has attempted to crack down on the attacks.

That hasn't gotten much press that I've seen. Is the US part of that effort?

[Methanolandbrats]

The Russians are problem solvers when it comes to this sort of stuff :thumbup:

[KLang]

Not sure I understand the concern about what to do when these guys are captured. Just blow them out of the water. End of problem.

[Andrew Longman]

Not sure I understand the concern about what to do when these guys are captured. Just blow them out of the water. End of problem.

Its possible one or two might surrender. Then what do you do with them?

I know, blowing them out of the water is still an option, but technically I don't think that passes international law muster.

The Saudi Navy, or some such, could bring them back to Saudi Arabia and behead them if they like (or whatever their laws prescribe - the Chinese chose public firing squad). Because of Gitmo muddied the waters, our Navy brass aren't so sure how to apply our rules.

[Sean Malone]

It sounds like onboard ship protection is the way to go.

I'm a bit confused as to how an organization (or 'company') like Blackwater Worldwide is able to operate. In the States an organized group of armed citizens is cause for ATF and FBI raids. I assume a private group is granted permits by the gov and I also assume that groups such as Blackwater use weapons that are not legal for the average citizen or am I mistaken?
So why don't the 'end of the world'ers' in North Dakota incorporate, apply for gov permits and call themselves a 'private security company'? I don't get it.

[sadams]

So why don't the 'end of the world'ers' in North Dakota incorporate, apply for gov permits and call themselves a 'private security company'? I don't get it.

They don't contribute the the ruling political parties.
No $$$$'s No Permit.;)

[TravelGal]

Not sure I understand the concern about what to do when these guys are captured. Just blow them out of the water. End of problem.

As I said "Forza India"

From yesterday's AP.

An anti-piracy watchdog group on Thursday welcomed an Indian warship's destruction of a suspected pirate vessel in waters off Somalia...

In a rare victory in the sea war against the Somali pirates, the Indian navy's INS Tabar sank a suspected pirate "mother ship" in the Gulf of Aden and chased two attack boats on Tuesday.

[Cam]

I know, blowing them out of the water is still an option, but technically I don't think that passes international law muster.


They are pirates. Live by the sword... Make 'em walk the plank in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

[Gnam]

The Russians are problem solvers when it comes to this sort of stuff :thumbup:
You know the Russians always wanted a warm water port, and they like to "liberate" smaller countries...maybe the Russian Navy should bring some passports to hand out to the Pirates.

[coolhand]

It sounds like onboard ship protection is the way to go.

I'm a bit confused as to how an organization (or 'company') like Blackwater Worldwide is able to operate. In the States an organized group of armed citizens is cause for ATF and FBI raids. I assume a private group is granted permits by the gov and I also assume that groups such as Blackwater use weapons that are not legal for the average citizen or am I mistaken?
So why don't the 'end of the world'ers' in North Dakota incorporate, apply for gov permits and call themselves a 'private security company'? I don't get it.

Blackwater is nothing new when you look at all of American History. But get one thing straight, they are not "Mercs". They only do combat support. They do not enter offensive combat operations. They do VIP protection and Logistical Convoys, where they have the right to defend themselves. They use no weapons bigger than Machine guns. The biggest I have seen is a Dshka on the back of the truck. Or maybe a MAG strapped to a little bird. They are not "Soldiers of Fortune", I am positive they would not take money from China to do stuff in Sudan, or money from Russia to do stuff in Chechnya.

But using non regulars is nothing new. Look at the Revolutionary War. Or perhaps Andrew Jackson's defense of New Orleans from Brits that were veterans of the Napoleonic Wars. Andrew Jackson hired Spanish Pirates because they had bigger cannons that the US Army.

Or there were Stagecoach runs in the Western US that hired security guards to protect them as they went through rural territory. For example the Pinkerton Detective Agency. They defended stagecoachs and they also most famously were used in an attempt to break a strike. The Homestead Strike of 1892 where Henry Clay Frick tried to get them to break up strikers.

As to the Legality? They are a defense contractor. Lockheed Martin can operate Fighter Aircraft and test dropping bombs. So why can't Blackwater train on he shooting range for duty in Iraq? The Weapons they use are legal in most states. The bigger weapons they can train on in Kuwait or Iraq.

[Methanolandbrats]

You know the Russians always wanted a warm water port, and they like to "liberate" smaller countries...maybe the Russian Navy should bring some passports to hand out to the Pirates. That model has been tried recently by another Superpower--->fabricate reason for "liberation"----> invade as "good guy"---->kick government out----->
occupy country---->install government------>gain control of port and oil pipeline---------->ooooopsie---------did'nt work and it really expensive and stupid.

[Sean Malone]

That model has been tried recently by another Superpower--->fabricate reason for "liberation"----> invade as "good guy"---->kick government out----->
occupy country---->install government------>gain control of port and oil pipeline---------->ooooopsie---------did'nt work and it really expensive and stupid.

:shakehead

[STD]

You know the Russians always wanted a warm water port, and they like to "liberate" smaller countries...maybe the Russian Navy should bring some passports to hand out to the Pirates.

The ARPCT is already on the job. :rofl:

[stroker]

Hey, wasn't it last year they had a surplus aircraft carrier for sale? Used to be Brit, then Aussie, then Brazilian? Asking price was stupid cheap at something like $1 million? Seems like the insurance companies could put Blackwater and some attack choppers with (Boghammers on the side) on there and pretty well hold the entire area clear...

[Gnam]

...did'nt work and it really expensive and stupid.
That's never stopped the Russians before. Hell it's their speciality. :gomer:

Indians send another ship to protect Indian crews:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7741287.stm

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/4285/45220517africapiracy2maqh4.gif

[oddlycalm]

Hey, wasn't it last year they had a surplus aircraft carrier for sale? Used to be Brit, then Aussie, then Brazilian? Asking price was stupid cheap at something like $1 million? Seems like the insurance companies could put Blackwater and some attack choppers with (Boghammers on the side) on there and pretty well hold the entire area clear...

How long until the mercenaries defeat the existing pirates and become a much more formidable pirate force? Given a choice between low rent pirates and mercenary armies/navies/intelligence services with state of the art weapons and technology semi-controlled by anyone willing to pay the bill I prefer the pirate problem.

oc

[STD]

They like to be called private military companies instead of mercenaries. ;)
Blackwater, Executive Outcomes, Sandline, Aegis Defense Services...

Got to agree with oddlycalm's point.

[stroker]

How long until the mercenaries defeat the existing pirates and become a much more formidable pirate force? Given a choice between low rent pirates and mercenary armies/navies/intelligence services with state of the art weapons and technology semi-controlled by anyone willing to pay the bill I prefer the pirate problem.

oc


You're kidding, right? Insurance companies buy carrier. Insurance companies pay mercs and supply aircraft.

Mercs solve pirate problem. Mercs threaten legitimate shipping (insured by their paymasters) with their equipment paid for by their paymasters.

US Navy has target practice for 688 boat/Nimitz carrier. Merc problem solved, leaving surviving mercs in shark-infested waters offshore of way-pissed pirates.

What am I missing?

[coolhand]

How long until the mercenaries defeat the existing pirates and become a much more formidable pirate force? Given a choice between low rent pirates and mercenary armies/navies/intelligence services with state of the art weapons and technology semi-controlled by anyone willing to pay the bill I prefer the pirate problem.

oc

Again, I outlined why they are not Mercs. EO is probably the only modern PMC that you could label that. As far as Blackwater is concerned they are a contractor contributing US Defense Department. They are not doing any Combat Operations (i.e. not planning to seek out and attack anyone). They fight only to defend their convoys (VIP or LOGCAP).

Also, unlike these Somali pirates these Blackwater types don't have a death wish. They also have families and assets back in the US that they don't wish to lose by acting as pirates. :rolleyes: I don't know how else to respond to such a ridiculous talking point. Any real navy would smoke that boat BW is running. Don't get scared.

You afraid of Eric Prince :\ ? His family is worth $100Ms, he could act like Tony George or any other rich brat. However he slogged through a tough life as a SEAL Officer and then built a company to help defend this country.



They like to be called private military companies instead of mercenaries. ;)
Blackwater, Executive Outcomes, Sandline, Aegis Defense Services...

Got to agree with oddlycalm's point.

I think EO and Sandline are defunct. BW and Aegis are not the only ones in the Biz, they are just the most well know USA and UK companies.

Why don't you guys hate on Dynacorp or Triple Canopy?

[coolhand]

Also the statist concept of an entire nation's security and defense apparatus being as they are now may be a aging model. It only really come into maturity under Napoleon, then as the "State at War" concept. He was very successful and many nations adopted it quickly. However times change, some think that when it comes in Intel and Low intensity stuff this may be a better solution. We will see if it is right or wrong in the next few decades.

[Sean Malone]

Also the statist concept of an entire nation's security and defense apparatus being as they are now may be a aging model. It only really come into maturity under Napoleon, then as the "State at War" concept. He was very successful and many nations adopted it quickly. However times change, some think that when it comes in Intel and Low intensity stuff this may be a better solution. We will see if it is right or wrong in the next few decades.

I'm sure we're all aware of the history of private 'security forces' and hired soldiers, my point is regarding the legality of govt backed shadow forces using weapons that the gov won't let me access. I don't like my door man with a gun and if he does have one it better not be bigger than mine.

[STD]

I think EO and Sandline are defunct. BW and Aegis are not the only ones in the Biz, they are just the most well know USA and UK companies.

Why don't you guys hate on Dynacorp or Triple Canopy?


A bit too much Tom Clancy or the like war video game play?

Ever wonder why EQ and Sandline are defunct? And prison terms are in effect? Aegis has a bloodline straight from their source.
I only gave some examples of private military companies i.e mercenaries... You filled the rest as you saw it wrongly... :rolleyes:
Blackwater lives on somewhere around 66% no bid contracts from the US government for things the government should be doing on it's own in full view, review and control.
As far as Mr, Prince, his narrow ideology is a source of huge ultamate concerns. I have read much on the subject, from all angles.
Military service is indeed a noble thing. It however should never give rise to a free pass on the present issues and prevention. Just as an example Herman Goring had a great military history in WWI.
I don't "hate on" anyone. I believe private military companies i.e mercenaries simply dangerous to everyone's freedoms. What they try to call themselves in their PR really has no bearing on me.


Yes, Sean private 'security forces' have proven dangerous to people's rights, democracy, and freedom in the world as a whole over time. The results are in history books more than once already. Not even the most evil of men trusted such for long without the fear of them turning on them.

Back on topic, some of the fractured Somali Islamics are reportedly going after the pirates. Trying to cut off the prirate's supply line from shore.
Seems they don't like the Saudi or muslim owned ships in the priate's hands.
The ARPCT still not seen or heard of on the matter at all.

[G.]

They like to be called private military companies instead of mercenaries. ;)
Blackwater, Executive Outcomes, Sandline, Aegis Defense Services...

Let's not forget Shadow Force.

Shadow Force (http://www.history.com/genericContent.do?id=60702)

I've dvr'd one episode, but the little bits I've seen, it's not a good show.

A big DRAMATIC moment is when they forget to put the plug into the "Zodiac" boat. :laugh: The editing implies that they plug it up with saran wrap.

It's on right now, with the team fighting pirates off of Liberia.

But now, the mercenaries are legit, they have their own reality show.

EDIT: OK, I saw some more of an episode tonight. It's a bad show. It made me laugh. And I'll watch just about anything on History ('cept UFO crap).

[coolhand]

I'm sure we're all aware of the history of private 'security forces' and hired soldiers, my point is regarding the legality of govt backed shadow forces using weapons that the gov won't let me access. I don't like my door man with a gun and if he does have one it better not be bigger than mine.

In some states you can have M4s. They also only have the DsHKs and MAGs in theater.

[Michaelhatesfans]

Mercenaries, black ops, Blackwater, private security. Bunch of crap.

If you want to control the pirates, you need to control the Kraken.

[STD]

Poseidon will want a cut of the action. :laugh:

[STD]

Let's not forget Shadow Force.

Shadow Force (http://www.history.com/genericContent.do?id=60702)

I've dvr'd one episode, but the little bits I've seen, it's not a good show.

A big DRAMATIC moment is when they forget to put the plug into the "Zodiac" boat. :laugh: The editing implies that they plug it up with saran wrap.

It's on right now, with the team fighting pirates off of Liberia.

But now, the mercenaries are legit, they have their own reality show.

What no duct tape?
Sounds like Ice Road Truckers don't have a worry. :rofl:

[oddlycalm]

Oooops, pirate mothership or Thai trawler sunk (http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/25/pirate-mother-ship-or-thai-trawler/?hp)

The three stooges go pirate hunting....?

oc

[Michaelhatesfans]

Oooops, pirate mothership or Thai trawler sunk (http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/25/pirate-mother-ship-or-thai-trawler/?hp)

The three stooges go pirate hunting....?

oc

Looks like the Inidan Navy will be Moe.

[Cam]

Looks like the Inidan Navy will be Moe.

Engage Israel.

[JLMannin]

.

[TravelGal]

Oopsie. Convenient for the Thai businessman though. Ship is taken over by pirates, shot to H by India, HE gets to claim massive damages instead of paying out massive ransom.

[coolhand]

Oooops, pirate mothership or Thai trawler sunk (http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/25/pirate-mother-ship-or-thai-trawler/?hp)

The three stooges go pirate hunting....?

oc


What is a Thai ship doing over there? It was probably stealing fish from Somalia's EEZ. Asian countries stealing these Somali's fish is probably why these fishing communities turned to piracy.

[Elmo T]

More pirate trouble...

Pirates take chemical tanker (http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/11/28/somalia.pirates.chemical.tanker/index.html)


The Liberian-flagged Biscaglia came under "sustained and heavy attack" early Friday morning, Nick Davis, Director of Anti-Piracy Maritime Security Solutions (APMSS), said in a statement.

The three APMSS-employed security guards -- all former British servicemen -- mounted "sustained non-lethal resistance" but were unable to stop the attackers seizing control of the ship

"stop or I will say stop again"?? :shakehead

[nrc]

"stop or I will say stop again"?? :shakehead

Classic Robin Williams bit. :D

[JLMannin]

Article from CNN about Somali Pirates (http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/12/01/pirate.interview/index.html)

I really liked this bit from the article:

Boyah [a pirate leader interviewed in August] said that the piracy began because traditional coastal fishing became difficult after foreign fishing trawlers depleted local fish stocks. Traditional fishermen started attacking the trawlers until the trawler crews fought back with heavy weapons. The fishermen then turned to softer targets.

The merchant ships need to arm themselves.

[Michaelhatesfans]

More pirate trouble...

Pirates take chemical tanker (http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/11/28/somalia.pirates.chemical.tanker/index.html)



"stop or I will say stop again"?? :shakehead

"I fart in your general direction!"

[TravelGal]

Today's ARTA E-News, complete with editorial comments, contains:

Somali Pirates Fire On Oceana'a Nautica
Two small skiffs followed Ocean Nautica as she sailed the Gulf of Aden yesterday. The ship took evasive action and no one aboard was harmed.. Eight shots were fired but none hit the ship as the closest the pirates got was about 300 metres from the ship. The ship was sailing within the prescribed Maritime Safety Protection area that is patrolled by international anti-Piracy task forces. The fact that companies and governments are willing to pay high ransoms for highjacked ships is only resulting in more highjack attempts. Almost 100 vessels have been attacked this year and some of them highjacked, including a supertanker carrying some 2 million barrels of oil. and a freighter carrying arms. The ransom for the freighter was dropped a couple of times from 25 million to 3 million.

[stroker]

Article from CNN about Somali Pirates (http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/12/01/pirate.interview/index.html)

I really liked this bit from the article:


The merchant ships need to arm themselves.

See my previous post re: miniguns...

[Ankf00]

Nuke the site from orbit. It's the only way to be sure.

[Elmo T]

Pirates chase, open fire on U.S. cruise ship (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28011013/)

[Don Quixote]

Nuke the site from orbit. It's the only way to be sure.
:rofl:

[KLang]

Pirates chase, open fire on U.S. cruise ship (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28011013/)

It seems if you want to take a cruise through that part of the world, the top speed of the cruise ship should be a major priority.

[TravelGal]

It seems if you want to take a cruise through that part of the world, the top speed of the cruise ship should be a major priority.

Excellent point, although I'm not quite sure how I'll work it into my sales spiel. ;)

[Gnam]

Maybe the cruise ships could sell adventure vacations on these runs.

Beats the hell out of shuffle board. :D

http://tonova.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/madeuce.jpg

[nissan gtp]

Maybe the cruise ships could sell adventure vacations on these runs.

Beats the hell out of shuffle board. :D

http://tonova.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/madeuce.jpg

damn, now that's a brilliant idea :D

[Don Quixote]

Even better, how about one of those 20 (?) mm gatling cannons that are in the nose of an A-10. :thumbup:

[stroker]

Even better, how about one of those 20 (?) mm gatling cannons that are in the nose of an A-10. :thumbup:

Nope. Sledgehammer answer for a flyswatter solution.

Try this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWIGfRsGMqw

[Ankf00]

Even better, how about one of those 20 (?) mm gatling cannons that are in the nose of an A-10. :thumbup:

doesn't the seafood you eat already contain enough heavy metals for your taste? :gomer:

[cameraman]

Nope. Sledgehammer answer for a flyswatter solution.

Try this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWIGfRsGMqw

You would need half the cargo capacity of the ship for the ammunition.

Something slower firing and proven with a nice long range.
Try a single mount Bofors 40mm/56

http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNUS_4cm-56_mk12_PTF_pic.jpg

[Ankf00]

Try a single mount Bofors 40mm/56

http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNUS_4cm-56_mk12_PTF_pic.jpg


Kargil, holla.

[devilmaster]

Any type of non-military ship should be looking at systems that don't need a crewman or men at the trigger. Could you imagine if some cruiseship crewman goes wacko and gets ahold of the key to the weapons locker?

My idea would be to see if you can plant a couple CIWS with software that allows it to defend against surface targets. That way, you have an officer who mans a director without much crew support. More or less a self-contained system is the way to go (this is assuming that merchie crews are still the same as they were about 15 years ago...)

[coolhand]

Kargil, holla.

I don't think 40mm Bofors were used during the Kargil war

[Ankf00]

155's, 40's, tomato, tomahto, dead paki terrorist, dead somali terrorist

[Methanolandbrats]

You would need half the cargo capacity of the ship for the ammunition.

Something slower firing and proven with a nice long range.
Try a single mount Bofors 40mm/56

http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNUS_4cm-56_mk12_PTF_pic.jpg
That's sweet. All they need is a cooler full of beers and a grill....kick back and hunt for pirates :D

[TravelGal]

Today's E-News. If they "re-newed" this authorization, it doesn't seem to me that it did much in "newed" stage, did it? I do like the "suspected of being used" part though. Heheheheh.

"United Nations Reauthorizes Use Of Force Against Pirates
The UN renewed the authorization for countries to use military force against pirates operating in waters off Somalia. A few days ago pirates shot at the Oceania Nautica which managed to outrun the pirates who are getting far too brazen. The council was unanimous in the vote to extend the right of county's military forces to seize and dispose of "boats, vessels, arms and other related equipment used or suspected of being used for piracy," for a period of one year. CLIA is working in close consultation with the International Maritime Organization and others to evaluate the measures that would be appropriate in the Gulf of Aden"

CLIA = Cruise Lines International Association. Largest industry group. edit: Oopsie. Got the acronym wrong at first.

[KLang]

The council was unanimous in the vote to extend the right of county's military forces to seize and dispose of "boats, vessels, arms and other related equipment used or suspected of being used for piracy," for a period of one year.

What about the actual pirates? No guidence from the UN on what to do with them? :irked:

Harsh words?

[TravelGal]

What about the actual pirates? No guidence from the UN on what to do with them? :irked:

Harsh words?

Hmm, maybe if the boats are disposed of the pirates will be too? [wishful thinking]

[JLMannin]

What about the actual pirates? No guidence from the UN on what to do with them? :irked:

Harsh words?

Perhaps the pirates fall in the "other related equipment" category.