Gotta love the American attitude

[[AK]Beaker]

Ok sometimes we're called brash and rude and sometimes we deserve it. But I just can't help smiling at the unarmed Americans that repulsed the pirate attack. I mean come on the pirates couldn't even beat our "hippies" (said because it was an aid ship they were trying to take). I just love the American Spirit.

[[AK]Nuts]

I have co-workers that were taken hostage in Nigeria and work for a company that has gone through this before. IMO, Internationals would be a bit quicker to concede to pirate demands than their American counter-parts. International ships are just that... their crews are made up with people from multiple nations that share little in common except for where they work.

US flagged vessels must be crewed by Americans. There is a greater sense of family on US vessels; hence I can understand the response on the Maesrk ship.

Shipping companies generally do not want to arm crews as historically pirates don't hurt people... they come onboard, beat their chests, still your shit and leave. When you start arming sailors - folks that are not trained in anti-piracy measures (and really shouldn't be) - it results in increased dangers to the crew. Pirates aren't rational. They may look well-armed but their weapons and skills are weak. They are uneducated. Mix this together and it's a recipe for someone to get shot.

Staging security forces on ships presents the same risks... you're really upping the ante.

[[AK]Beaker]

I'm not saying the crews should be armed necessarily only that I admire the American attitude that as you said makes us feel like a family and doesn't just roll over.

[[AK]Bribo]

What makes you think that they are "hippies"? The captain and first mate were an instructor and graduate of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy respectively. The first mate had extensive training on how to fight pirates.

I'm not going to pretend I know more than Nuts on this subject since he's a lot closer to this story than I or anyone else in AK but it seems to me that putting the fear of God into these pirates with a some "aggressive responses" might make them think twice before boarding a ship flying Old Glory.

[[AK]Squidly]

It makes my blood boil when I read about ransoms being paid.

Here's a solution - Pay them (to get them off the ship), then KILL all pirates as they attempt to egress the area in their dingys.

Piracy would cease to be a significant issue within 6 months.

[[AK]Bribo]

Paying them with no repercussions will only encourage them to take more ships and crews hostage. I think there ought to be trained, response forces planted on random ships that traverse this area. Say 50 heavily armed men trained in anti-pirate tactics. The pirates would never know which ship had this force on board.

[[AK]Devil_Dog]

I agree with Beaker it really does speak to the spirit of the American people. Not sure if they're hippies or not..

But, if they are hippies then my level of respect for them stoners just when up 110%.. lol

I agree with Squidly this soft approach only invites more crime… Spilling some blood will at least deter them…

[[AK]Squidly]

Pull up with a large ship to provide a stable firing platform, and deploy the snipers. End of issue.

[[AK]Squidly]

Say 50 heavily armed men trained in anti-pirate tactics.

Here's an anti-pirate tactic. Spray their dingys with .50 cal fire.

[[AK]Bribo]

Here's an anti-pirate tactic. Spray their dingys with .50 cal fire.

Yar!

[[AK]Hylander]

I have to admit - I was caught off guard when I read that there are no arms on these vessels. I always thought there were some armed security on the ships which is why I didn't understand how they could take these ships so easily. Now I know!

But on cruise liners, don't they employ some armed security?

I too will defer to Nuts as I have no insight into how shipping operates, etc.. BUT.... they are the Merchant MARINES! They need weapons dammit!!

Similarly to what Squidly said... if they are holding the Captain in a boat in the water, couldn't snipers just take out the pirates in about 2 seconds with simultaneous shots?

[[AK]Nuts]

Sailors and Unions don't want guns because no cargo is worth their life and pirates aren't interested killing. It's unlike the airlines where a Captain with a gun can save the life of hundreds or thousands. An armed crew on a ship solicits a greater use of force in response by pirates.

Passenger ships are - of course - different, that's why pirates (especially those in the South China Seas) steer clear of cruise ships and why the Horn issue is growing in prevalence.

When we had folks taken off of our tanker and held hostage, those of us in the office asked about guns. And while it seems to make sense... at the end of the day our only goal was to ensure the safe return of our people.

Let government deal with pirates with government people and government money. Armed escort ships, increased air patrols, and shore-side intel are the key here.

[[AK]Squidly]

Let government deal with pirates with government people and government money. Armed escort ships, increased air patrols, and shore-side intel are the key here.

Let the companies put their own paid guards on the ships. Sounds like a job for Blackwater.

If the military is called in, I want the pirates floating home face down. No capitulating.

[[AK]Nuts]

Companies don't want the attention. Imagine the video of a Blackwater agent on a container ship shooting at a boat load of 'civilians'. The pirates would start sending out small craft loaded with unarmed guys to test and later taunt the security forces... the whole thing would end up a big mess. Now, putt the USS Wasp off the coast and have Super Sea Cobras fly cover for transiting vessels? You Betcha!

[[AK]Hylander]

I say nuke them from orbit, it's the only way to be sure.