Thread: Real Life Pirate Attacks on the Rise

Not convinced that going farther afield is a sign of desperation! It just may mean that they were able to get more fuel for the ships.

Rep. Frank LoBiando (NJ) has introducedproposed legsilation to " amend title 46, United States Code, to assist in the defense of United States mariners and vessels against piracy, to ensure the traditional right of self-defense of those vessels against piracy, and for other purposes."


Co-Sponsors are Howard Coble (NC), John Mica (FL), and Don Yung (AK)

Among other things, HR 2984 would give immunity to US merchant mariners who wound or kill a pirate in response to an attack, and set up related seaman training certification to be overseen by the coast guard.

It also deals with setting up negotiations with foreign ports to allow our mariners into their ports bearing defensive arms on their ships.

There have been fewer pirate attacks off the coast if /somalia recently. It's no mystery why. It's monsoom season there right now, and that means high seas and nasty conditions, even for pirates.

The monsoon season should be ending in a few weeks, though. We shall see what happens then. Odds are, the thugs will go back to work. Its VERY profitable work, so one would certainly expect activity to pick up as the weather calms down.

Hmm, I expect to see more and more drones flying around. That is the only way to get the coverage that is needed. Unfortunately (?) the drones only have one two modes, view and blast out of the water.

Fine with me.

MOMBASA, Kenya — A German freighter released by Somali pirates after nearly four months arrived Saturday in the Kenya port of Mombasa with the 24-member crew in good condition.

The 20,000-ton Hansa Stavanger was released earlier this month after being captured . . .on April 4. . . .

. . ." The pirates took everything, including toothbrushes," Cmdr. Torsten Ites told journalists

FULL STORY HERE: German Ship Freed by Pirates Arrives in Kenya - International News | News of the World | Middle East News | Europe News - FOXNews.com

Sixteen sailors, including 10 Italians, whose tug was seized by Somali pirates four months ago are free after the pirates abandoned the ship, Italian authorities said Monday

"There was a very strong political intervention" between the Somali government and local authorities "who made the pirates understand that the only solution was the liberation of the hostages," Frattini said on SkyTg24. "The pirates withdrew."
The Foreign Ministry said no ransom was paid.

FULL STORY HERE: 16 Sailors Freed by Somali Pirates

It's getting harder for the pirates to get what they want.

I sure hope so!

Reports that Pirates on a siezed vessel have fired a large caliber weapon at a US NAVY HELICOPTER.

They are playing with fire!