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Africa Horn

Armed pirates hijack another ship near Somalia

2008-10-16

(SomaliNet) Bringing to 11 the number of vessels being held by pirates, armed pirates have hijacked another ship in the Gulf of Aden near Somalia today.

The bulk carrier with 21 crew members had been sailing from the Middle East to Asia when it was seized, the International Maritime Bureau said. The ship flies a Panamanian flag but is operated in the Philippines. No further details of the attack were immediately available.

Meanwhile, the bureau has issued an urgent warning to ships to take extra measures to deter pirates. A total of 29 ships have been hijacked in African waters this year, with more than 200 crew members on the 11 that remain in pirate hands. The attack comes despite increased international cooperation to crack down on pirates in the Gulf of Aden.

Posted by:Fred

#4 OP---I agree wholeheartedly that this problem could be solved quickly with an appropriate response. I would see an attack on the local fleet and dockside facilities at a village like Eyl. Like hitting G'Daffy out in the desert. Give him the message. Don't mess with us. If they ignore the message, make it clearer with your bombing mission.

But in another sense, it is a bigger issue. We, the US can step up to the plate, but others need to, also. They hate us so much, then THEY can take responsibility and deal with these pirates. We are not talking nation building, we are talking eliminating a plague.

There are other places plagued by piracy: like Chittagong, Philippines, off Indonesia. They can be dealt with if everyone has the will. So far, everyone is scurrying around in the UN, EU, etc working out the legal framework for dealing with non-states and international criminals who recognize no laws and play by no rules. It is a mad hatters tea party. Like I said, dump the problem in their laps and let them stew about it. If US ships are facing piracy, then I agree, ARCLITE (o/e) the pirate havens into fulgarites.

Posted by: Alaska Paul 2008-10-16 11:46

#3 Just one ARCLIGHT strike down through the center of one of the villages where the pirates hang out would put an end to the whole thing. These vermin are worse than cockroaches, and just need a good squashing. OR, the Navy could hold "field days" along the Somali Coast, taking on anything in the water. I'd still go with the ARCLIGHT strike.

Terror is an effective weapon if used correctly. Two atomic bombs convinced the Japanese they could no longer fight and still remain a nation. A couple of ARCLIGHT strikes would convince the "pirates" and people-movers that their behavior will bring them a LOT of grief - probably more than any 'ransom' would be worth.

Posted by: Old Patriot 2008-10-16 10:51

#2 It's my understanding that several ransoms have been paid. Any surprise that the piracies are increasing? Just a business matter here.

Posted by: Richard of Oregon 2008-10-16 10:44

#1 warning to ships to take extra measures to deter pirates

What with things quieting down in Iraq this past year, there ought to be a number of Blackwater guys available for hire. Properly armed with appropriate ROE, 1-2 per ship should be a good deterrant. Could run them like we run river pilots on the Mississippi - pilot boat drops him off on the ship when it gets near the river and another one picks him back up when the ship gets to port (or the end of that pilot's jurisdiction) - then repeat in reverse for the trip out. Substitute armed defender for pilot and Horn of Africa for Mississippi River.

Posted by: Glenmore 2008-10-16 08:39

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