Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Cfoote,Schenectady,NY — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:30:44 GMT

Its time to deal with these hoodlums. First this, and now an ocean liner filled with passagers. These are crooks and terrorists with nothing to loose. Start arming the captain and his crew and train them to use gernade launchers, semi automatic machine guns and a bazooka effectively. They have nothing to lose, maybe losing their livs will smarten them up.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Dan Shaw sierra vista az. — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:59:52 GMT

It seems like the U.S. had a problems with piracy some couple hundred years ago. We hunted them down and did away with them. Seems like we could do that now. We know where their bases are.Let's go wipe em out.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Wallace, Portland, Oregon — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:03:35 GMT

It seems simple to me. Fight fire with greater fire(power). The captain stated, "They have weapons, I have nothing". Why not? It's time for international law to change and allow these merchant vessels to protect themselves. The owners of these multimillion dollar vessels must train, outfit and install small teams of paramilitary men (and women) to stop these pirates in their tracks. As a former sniper, I can tell you shooting from an elevated platform such as a ship deck greatly increases the shooters odds. Security contractors are being used in Iraq and Afghanistan, why not the troubled waters of the region?

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

tb,fay ar — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:05:48 GMT

why are the shipps not carring gernaid launchers stop them thereselves and dont wait for nato which my never come

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

RLSchoffstall Apple Valley CA — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:06:12 GMT

The self defense courses should include AK47 and RPG instructions. Surely a ship's crew would outnumber and outgun a few pirate boats. The ship could carry more ammunition too. Methinks the pirates might think twice about firing guns and rpg's if the crew were shooting back.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Harry Birmingham, AL — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:11:09 GMT

why don't they (some government's military) set some "trap" boats and then when the pirates come they can blow the whole outfit to Kingdom come? is it really that difficult for a modern military to weed out small boats of 7 or 8 guys each?

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Tom Jackson, Los Angeles — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:14:09 GMT

Carry security guards armed with high power rifles and rocket-propelled grenades, blast them out of the water as they approach. Simple, teach them a lesson once or twice and others will not attempt to do the same.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Robert G, Denver, CO — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:21:57 GMT

These shipping companies need to provide their own primary defense. Although the International community needs to crack down on these pirates they cannot be everywhere.

Hire some armed commandos to be on each ship. Its a lot easier to keep the pirates off the ship then to remove them later.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Jesse James, Laguna Niguel, Ca — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:25:08 GMT

It is obvious that we are dealing with common thugs...why are we not going after them? We know where and who they are...it amazes me to see this over and over again. It is clearly the definition of insanity to do the same thing over and over again and expect a different result. The Pirates know that nothing will happen to them. Duh!!!

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Ed Reno, Vancouver, Washington — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:25:55 GMT

ATTENTION: This is how you solve the problem.

Get a few ships like this one and do the trojan horse thing. You know either booby trap it to explode when all these pirates come aboard. Think unmanned drone. Or jsut have some special forces guys greet them when they come aboard.
Or maybe Jonny Depp can lend a hand with scally wag group of pirates.
Do a few trojan horses and the pirates will give pause.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Jesse James, Laguna Niguel, Ca — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:26:09 GMT

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

C. Sullivan — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:30:45 GMT

Great story / good ending. Almost thought Errol Flynnn was going to come of the closet - I believe that is what is needed since we all know the UN non Nato is going to do anything. This captain was correct that all the gentleman who sail the seas should stand together and resolve this issue and they all know the correct thing to do .

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Deryl, Atlanta GA — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:32:47 GMT

They are going to continue to take money instead of earn it no matter how hard you try to negotiate. Until we are ready to use force against the threat it will continue. If it were in my hands, I'd decide to bomb their little sanctuaries into the stone age.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Bruce, NH — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:35:27 GMT

How can the world be so stupid? This is an international problem requiring an international response. Or is every country just waiting for a cruise ship to be taken and hoping it won't be theirs? Whatever country has a cruise ship taken will not only be forced to solve the problem, they will be forced to solve it with both hands tied behind their back by hundreds or thousands of hostages. Does the international community have a collective IQ of 25?

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

yousef — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:37:27 GMT

Piracy in a country like somalia with no jobs or hope is the best way to feed your family. What are you guys going to do? Stop every single somalian venturing out into the sea with 1.1 million squares miles of target areas?

Piracy is the result of somalia's lawless anarchy. Piracy will continue to exist as long as somalia has no prospects for it's people.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

chaz — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:40:29 GMT

a squad or two of marines on each ship armed with RPGs, mounted 50 cal. machine guns, LAWs and automatic rifles. start training crews to at least be able to fire rifles accurately. when the pirates attempt a hijacking, no second chance. send them all to the bottom. blow up their boats and the pirates.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

TW, Phoenix — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:41:47 GMT

Aren't we fighting a war on terror? These thugs qualify.... blow a few of their speedboats out of the water and things will quiet down.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

richard graves — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:48:36 GMT

Can't we all just get along. We need to sit down with these brave men of the sea, find common ground with them, come to an understanding of respect and a resolution of healing.
lets give peace a chance.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

John Doe, Toledo, Ohio — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:51:37 GMT

Nuke EM! Just Kidding, Put a few combat ready and armed Marines on board random ships, and lets see how the pirates fare? When the Marines open fire get an AWACS in the area to track the 'pirates' back and give them a welcome greeting onshore...

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Josh Hawk, Middletown CT — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:52:07 GMT

I can understand why merchant ships are not allowed to be outfitted with weapons.. There is a lot of training that goes into using military grade weapons and I'm sure having weapons on merchant ships could host a wide array of new issues... like what would happen if the pirates still got ahold of the ship despite having defenses, and then they had a new arsenal of automatic weapons to go use on another mechant ship. The best course of action is to either bait the pirates and weed them out that way, or to simply retrofit ships with simple defenses that would keep a pirate from boarding, like say... electrifyable ship rails or something like that. I know it sounds a bit 007 but we've done more outlandish things before to protect money. Another idea would be a rapid response, no BS team trained specifically in handling these types of piracy issues.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Joe Williams, Milton, FL — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:00:53 GMT

This won't continue when Obama gets in Office. He'll talk to them.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Momique, Corona, CA — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:05:44 GMT

The last time we went after Somalian outlaws (at the request of Somalia itself), we ended up with Black Hawk Down, and everybody being pissed at us. If we're reluctant to take decisive action maybe it's because remember what happened the last time we tried to help.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Bill Patterson — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:06:55 GMT

I was a Navy 20MM gunner aboard Merchant Ships during WWII. why not arm these ships with the same and blast these pirates out of the water at a distance. That would stop the highjacking for sure.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Pat Flynn, Manassas VA — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:08:13 GMT

Since this was a Panama-flagged ship, I would think it is a Panamanian issue. Perhaps Panama, Liberia, and the other flags of convience could get together and protect their merchant marine

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

LM — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:11:02 GMT

Since when should pirates have rights?? NATO...wake up.! If this happened a few hundred years ago, they would have been blown to smithereens without any 'rights groups' calling for a halt. This IS an international problem and affects us all.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Hatcher, Temple Hills, Maryland — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:13:00 GMT

I must be missing something but from the moment I heard of these huge ships, with crews at least doubling the pirates, being literally stopped in their tracks by small powerboats - I thought: "They deserve what they're getting".

There are armed guards practically everywhere dozing to sleep ashore and yet a company can't afford to arm either their crew or guards to protect a ship!!??!!

Please tell me there's some sort of international law forbidding the arming of the ships against piracy so I can understand the stupidity of this.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Al Schott, Meriden, CT — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:13:07 GMT

Just make a few oil tankers into Q-ships, Pirates appear, and the sides open up with on-board artillery.
They used them in WW2 against Submarines, why not here. And if you know where they hide out, eliminate them -

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Bush Supporter, AZ — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:17:03 GMT

Remind me now...we are in the era of high powered equipment, right? Night vision, satellites, GPS, and yet we still can't get rid of a few maggots. Incredible.
A little side to Richard Graves' comments. You want to all get along eh? You want to 'talk it out'. I'll tell you what, you be the first to 'talk' to the pirates, and let us know how it goes, OK? I bet your family doesn't have the ransom cash they are looking for.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Darius Zardoz Vortex — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:18:19 GMT

If nobody is doing anything about this, it must be for a reason; we just don't know what it is yet. Follow the money.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Mary Guaraldi, Derry, NH — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:18:32 GMT

Is it possible that these pirates work for a bigger organization that may be looking to hit a large target once they have a big enough fleet? The article said they were looking for a tanker - wouldn't that make a nice weapon if it came into a large port city while burning... fodder for a decent tv show anyway...

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

j.k. frederiksen — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:20:36 GMT

The song goes, ..."to the shores of Tripoli!" for good reason. NATO patrol boats could pull convoy duty much like in WWII. Also, the Germans had "raider" ships that looked like merchant ships, only loaded with cannons and machine guns. A few engagements with those ships would make the pirates think twice. U.S. convoy ships in WWII had Coast Guard gun crews and light artillary aboard too. It is time to fight these jackels on their own terms, otherwise they will never stop, given the huge amount of money to be had.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Hatcher, Temple Hills, Maryland — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:22:38 GMT

Yousef, as one of many black men, who works and has had moderate success in life I detest if not despise those who cry and use poverty as an excuse for bad behavior. They're young, ignorant, and cowardly and should be shot by an armed crew such as that WWII Merchant Mariner gunner. They'd back off and think more than twice before attacking a ship then.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Alis, Tuzla, Bosnia&Hercegovina — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:22:40 GMT

:) it's hillarious, really. pirates getting away with freakin tankers?!? i don't know if i'm reading a comic book or a post-apocalyptic fiction story... :) but seriously, i'm amazed with a fact... that somebody who should take care of this obviously does not care ...at all; ...it's weird how easy it is to forget that: "All that is necessary for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing!" ...so go on ...do nothing :).

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Bugs Bunny — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:28:21 GMT

We shouldn't arm the merchant marines...the potential for them to use those weapons against legitimate authority is FAR too great. Innocents will die if you arm these sailors. These pirates are desperate: they are drug addicts and starving people with no place to go. They are far more dangerous than a military operation - there is NO restraint, when one is backed against the wall, and there is little space between them and the wall now. Going to them and "wiping them out" sounds easy, but think of the potential impact: There are 250 crewmen in captivity now. Those people are at risk. They may be located in a sovereign nation's waters/land. How would the US respond if some other country showed up at our shores and wiped out an area because they believed that the people in that area were bad? I think we have more to consider than just the thugs and the sailors who would arm themselves. These issues take time to resolve...it is a thin line we stand on when we are in this position.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Jeff james — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:28:23 GMT

This piracy affects everyone regardless of nationality. I say we need to start using bait ships like cities use bait cars for theives. Have the cargo be heavily armed military and then Surprise! Shoot them dead!

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Klinger Winona, MN — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:35:26 GMT

We've got defense satelites. This is another terrorist threat. They ain't hitting our towers their hitting our ships. What happend to the "war on terror". Watch these areas via satelite. Everytime one of these know priate ports has a ship leave it play coast guard and search it!

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Larry Dean, Des Moines, Iowa — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:36:27 GMT

There seem to be a few simple things that could be done before help arrives. First develop an computerized system that could be put into effect that would send the craft running into circles. Second have an electrical system simular to barbed wire strung completely around the outside of the ship with high voltage to be turned on at night or when being boarded. And third if a well trained crew with weapons of equal force fail, then have after radioing for help, and with life jackets on, turn on a extremely well hidden super loud sound system before jumping ship and waiting to be picked up. Twenty minutes of Rap music should do the job.....

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Jay Kaplan, Morganville, N.J. — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:36:47 GMT

If Nato really wanted to stop the piracy they would deploy an aircraft carrier to the area. Through radio communications, these planes could be in the air within a minute and blast these guys out of the water.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

lee, sun city, ca — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:37:17 GMT

Time to bring out the old British Q-ships from WW I.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Jack Flash, Kansas City, KS — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:39:01 GMT

These folks are just hungry. It is all Bush's fault. We should be nice to them so they will stop what they are doing.. (load of crap...) They only want drugs, give them drugs so that they will OD.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

John DeVere — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:39:03 GMT

Did anyone listen to the comments left by Yousef? The people of Somalia are starving on several levels. Desperate people do desperate things. "Blow them out of the water" may be a good defensive strategy....but it is not an answer. Should the U.S. economy take a few more hits you might see Americans trying to "stop tankers with a dingy and a popgun".

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Jenny Connor, Hurst, IL — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:39:37 GMT

I don't see this going on much longer since the leader over there is asking for help. You know th good ole US. I look for it to stop pretty soon one way or the other. I agree, though, it should have already been stopped long ago.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Larry Dean, Des Moines, Iowa — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:39:56 GMT

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Med Medmann, Cincinnati OH — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:44:38 GMT

Look, this is simple, just put an aircraft carrier off the coast of Somalia. Launch all planes, fly up & down the coast & strafe anything & everything that floats, no boats, no pirates simple as that. The other option is to sink anything large enough to be a mother ship, you can't ride in small speedboats to 400 nautical miles out, you need a mother ship, sink THOSE! & no more pirates.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

John Titahena - Driebergen - The Netherlands — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:46:19 GMT

Private security firms can deal with this piracy attacks. But within the the Maritime Laws. And again, what is the protocol to the judical prosecution. For private sec. firms in my opinion, they must operate under preventive security protocols. The best operation is when there is not one shot fired. Visualisation of the means towards the attackers must be one of the priority. Private sec. firms cannot use an offensive protocol. This is only for Law Enforcement Agencys, such as Coast Guard and designated military forces. Some joint operation must be possible, in terms of hand over the pirates.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Gino, elizabeth NJ — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:47:11 GMT

fit explosive vests on dolphins,sharks and alligators persuade them to swim towards these somali ships and have them blow up. or use booby trapped boats with dollar signs painted on the outside so that the pirates think these boats have money inside, blow them up. we have to start using wiley coyote tactics in this war on terror.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Linda Sue — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:48:55 GMT

And what will come of all these problems in the scheme of our present presidential plight? Obama says disarm the USA and open the borders? He wants gun control so we will be left without protection just like the captains of these ships. Will we all sit back and do nothing? Or will we fight for freedom and uphold God and our country.

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Charles Brown — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:51:12 GMT

Don't forget these pirates are victims themselves. They live in conditions that would be unbearable to most Westerners. All they want to do is survive. Instead of hunting them down, we should embrace them with love and have sympathy for their plight. Only education and raising the standard of living in these impoverisheed countries can turn desperate men into contributing citizens.

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Ray Cranston, RI — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:51:31 GMT

I say we hire Pirates of our own, they can go and track down and steal their booty. And arm the ships to blow the threat upon its aproach of the targeted ship. It should not cost US taxpayers anything, best part!

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Bill Jones, La Verne, CA — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:51:36 GMT

The Obama administration should handle this issue with Somalia. A new system is required to stabilize that country and it's possible if there is resolve.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

D, New Jersey — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:52:56 GMT

I agree with setting up trap boats, manned by the military.
On our aircraft, pilots are now carrying guns, in addition to having armed air marshalls. Why can't ships also be armed?
Can countries just cut off trade to these areas of the world?

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

duane, phoenix az — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:56:19 GMT

I say atack them where they live and put a stop to this now! We went to war with the Barbary coast Pirates many years ago with a lot less technology. We should be able to wipe out these Pirates in short order with the technology we have today!

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Vanna M, Los Angeles, CA — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 19:00:03 GMT

If attacks are perpetrated by only a handful of fairly stupid street thugs at any one time, what's wrong with the collective intelligence of government and private sector representatives? Or are their policies a reflection of our current domestic economic woes. Arm the crews or provide armed escorts - we do that on airlines dont't we? The US should take strong action to protect their own, even if the rest of the world doesn't.

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John Miller, Seattle WA — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:03:28 GMT

Ninjas. A Ninja would beat a pirate in any scenario, well, except at sea...

Seriously, Convoys. 1 warship for a cluster of 10-20 cargo ships. a lone cargo ship miles from any help defines 'Sitting Duck'. One military ship in firing range, including indirect fire. The 'blind side' isn't that much of an issue as modern weapons can basically shoot around corners, just give each cargo ship crew a few laser target designators, and the warship just has to shoot upwards, and a missile can just follow the little (infra)red dot.

One ship should be sufficent for a deterrent.

Don't need to fully arm each crew, and each ship just has to pay 1/10th to 1/20th of the cost of the escort;

But I'm sure some companies will skimp, and try to keep margins up by sending out unescorted ships; just like they fly under the flag of the country with the lowest taxes.

Having a Dog/Gun/Alarm system won't stop a determined burgler; he'll just target you neighbor that dosn't have those.

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Chuck Snohomish Wa — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:06:48 GMT

This is a no brainer. Hire armed guards. The cost of armed guards would be cheaper than the ransom they are paying these theif's. Why we are allowing this is beyond me. The British ship in this case should have fired on the freighter and stopped it. Why are they there if they are not going to interfere. Doesn't make any sense.

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Bdawg Madtown, WI — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:07:59 GMT

CIA coordinating with other governments in the area should be training the proper factions to bring back a formidable government in Somalia and this crap wouldn't keep happening.

The problem is once these crews are brought to shore you can't really attack these pirate liars they may use the captured crewman as human shields. The nations that have ships captured should negotiate the return of these ships and crew that are there now.

In the mean time use technology and put together some hi tech bait ships with Special Forces and attack the speed boats and so called mother ships while also providing security on board these tankers. Once the pirates see resistance and it's not a walk in the park this may thwart the heists long enough to get some security of these ships in place.

What would 3 million in security buy vs. paying it in ransom? That's ridicules whoever owns these boats protect their crew and assets accordingly! This isn't rocket science to figure out these are freaking pirates. The drugged up thugs are smarter then international forces and NATO??
This is rather unbelievable in our modern day society...

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mustafa ali mpls — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:09:03 GMT

have good governsment &sucure in somalia not coropt abdulahi yussuf he is the proplem not solusion

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Brett, Austin, Texas — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:09:48 GMT

Arming the vessel's crews is very unlikely. These are merchant vessels crewed by civilians, employed by shipping companies who pinch every penny they spend on their vessels. If the pirates are smart they will treat the crews well and not harm them, giving the crews every incentive to remain passive if they are caught. Few if any crews are going to risk their lives to save a hunk of steel and a cargo that they have no stake in.

Armed guards sound like a good idea until you realize the huge numbers of ships that pass through these waters every day. Putting a guard on each ship is going to be expensive, plus, how do you make sure that the guards are trustworthy? One problem in fighting piracy is knowing who is on which side. Crew members have been known to give out positions to their friends among the pirates - easy enough to do with a hand held GPS and a radio.

A stable government ashore along with an economy that can support the population is the only real solution. It will be difficult to bring about, and will require assistance from all interested parties, but it IS possible.

No, I am not suggesting that the pirates should get off scott-free. If caught by the authorities they should be tried, then hanged from the nearest yardarm and left to rot in the East African sun.

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Bill Nelson — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:10:21 GMT

Decoy ship with mercenaries on board. When approached, kill and sink the pirates with no editorials or news reports. Attract more, kill and sink more. They'll go away, quietly in one fashion or another, dead or wondering what happened.

And, if you read about it in a report from 'an unnamed source', kill him too.

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Seidu Major — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:16:43 GMT

By all means a decision should be taken to track all these useless elements in the high seas who are doing this harm.
US and other advanced countries can team up and go to the high seas to finish them,it is very stupid of Somalia itself.If the country is poor what is the concern of others.Something should be done about this matter as soon as possible otherwise the crew members are suffering very much in the hands of these pirates.

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Scott Nelson, Seattle, WA — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:17:06 GMT

Aaaww, boo hoo, those big mean pirates. This is just a new economy popping up just like they do here in the good 'ol USA and everywhere. Pirates are just people who see an opportunity and want to make a buck. Kind of like the drug trade, the human traffic trade, (both doing well here in the usa) and oh so similar to just about every American company who buys materials and labor from third-world countries for dirt cheap: To make a buck at the expense of others. Only difference is that the pirates aren't trying to candy coat their activities and they don't have their heads in the sand like wealthy economies do. I'm about to take my AR-15 to Somalia and support those pirates. Power to the pirates!

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G Rehm, Port Richey, Fl — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:17:25 GMT

Dear Commentors...
All this talk of defeating the pirates is nonsense...
The United States has an organization on lawyers called the A-C-L-U.. This group will hunt down anyone that deprives these pirates, er, self-employed commodity traders, their right to earn a living...
Why do you think the US is where it is today??
The A-C-L-U....

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barbara,albuquerque,NM — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 22:56:50 GMT

Before Thomas Jefferson sent out the Marines, Julius Caesar also had a run in with pirates. He was held for ransom. They asked for a certain amount. Julius C. told the pirates to ask for more. The ransom was paid and Julius C. returned home. He then came back with ships and captured the pirates. He commanded that the pirates be killed. A governor refused. Julius C. came and had the pirates crucified. I am told that the Romans left bodies on crosses, and whatever the birds of the air did not pluck off and eat, the rest would eventually fall to the ground. Only the Jews took bodies down off crosses because of their beliefs.

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Bruce Trainor Altamonte Springs, FL — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:01:56 GMT

Mainland China had a piracy problem a year or so ago and put a quick end to it. All pirates were capture and publicly hanged (I think they were all Chinese). That pretty much stopped it. All we have to do is get a UN resolution as to punishment and publish it then carry it out. Will stop quickly.

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Ken Bradstock Tobaccoville, NC — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:03:47 GMT

I get a kick out of all you Einstiens with simplistic solutions to complex problems. You really think that the world's problems can be solved with love and/or fire power? Geez!

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Capt. TimBob, Motor City — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:04:14 GMT

Ya' know this here looks like an employment opportunity, which we need to look at in true entrepenurial spirit. We have pirates that need abatement:good. We need to form a private security firm to provide "abatement". A few weldments attached to the rails, maybe some custom protective armament stations, some M60's, LAW's and the like and we'd be in 'bidness. You guys responding above seem to have a handle on it, what say we give it a go?

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Little Bo Peep — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:07:55 GMT

Just wait! This won't continue when Obama gets in Office. He'll give them a good talk'n and they will stop in there tracks.

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dave clark thorsby alberta — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:10:11 GMT

what is the diffrence between what these thugs are doing and thugs breaking into are homes and stealing money and things to sell to bye drugs with. are goverment set up places to shoot up. maby they will set up a place for the somalies to pirate more efficintly or send sycitristes to see why they are doing this sort of thing i say blast them out of the water

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STB, Albq. NM — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:18:14 GMT

All I can say is one word-Blackwater. Hire them on the primary targets. If the owners can pay the ramson they can pay for protection. Why not be proactive instead of reactive.

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Pooch, Santa Fe, NM — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:22:28 GMT

The excuse that Somalia is at war and poor people will do whatever they can to feed themselves. According to the article, these pirates were nor part of any militia. In fact, they didn't even want to go ashore to pick up the ransom. It is mind boggling that a handful of thugs can overtake a huge ship and
demand (and receive) ransome! And there are so many ships sitting off harbors for weeks, waiting for a
good deal ona ransome payment. Meanwhile, the whole
world, with all it's cargo ships and military hardware sit back and watch it happen. Surreal!

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Rick Reed, Somerset, MA. — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:24:16 GMT

perhaps we should revist history...how did the British solve the pirate problem in the Caribbean? And how about the demise of the Barbary Pirates? How about the old fashoned convoy system?

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

phoke, san diego, ca — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:26:01 GMT

Every vessel should be equipped to defend themselves (I'm not talking about water hoses)no matter what route they travel, but NATO should also patrol. Its so strange how many warships are in the gulf of aden and this crime is still happening.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Vivian, NYC, NY — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:36:01 GMT

The US should protect US flagged ships that pay US taxes. Straight and simple. Otherwise let the ships' owners pay ransoms!!!

One way or another, they need to pay for their protection.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

JHawkes, Bakersfield, CA — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:39:48 GMT

So there are talks of blowing them up, and then a few who think peace is the answer. One, no one will authorize attacking them, so realistically that is out of the picture. Yes, it may deter some of the actions, but I am guessing for every one you destroy 3 more will take its place. The military can not get involved, and I am assuming pirates will not listen if you talk to them. So what to do? I think the maritime laws need to be adjusted just as we adjusted for pilots to carry handguns in a cockpit. Allow small security teams with weapons capable of handling the situation. Make it for defense. Warn the pirates before they board they will be attacked. The security team stays hidden until the pirates bored the boat, then game on. Just as if someone tries to break into my house, I will defend it. If you are desperate, poor or hungry you will find a means for survival like most of the homeless do in this country without resorting to violence. However, attack me or my home as you attack these ships, and I will defend my property and family at all costs.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

p.u.d jamaica w.i. — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:48:12 GMT

this is where the major countries of the region with the proper resources need to get up off of their buttocks, and deal with the problem militarily,dont sit back and wait for the u.n or the u.s.a its your territorial waters, its time you use your military for the proper reason! no deals ,no mercy ! the pirates need to know the penaty for their actions, they dont care about human rights, so dont show them any either !!!!

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

rick johnston — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:48:56 GMT

I'm very surprised the international shipping community hasn't simply formed armed convoys and or armed at least some of the ships.

In WW II The Germans had at least one raider which would be disguised as an Allied Cargo vessel they'd get
along their prey, drop the plywood facade exposing their 5 inch naval guns, I'd think the cost for arming
the vessels would be a pittance compared to the costs
involved with either the ongoing military presence and or the ransoms being paid.

A single 20 mm Minigun or a 3" 50 would make instant mince meat of any of those pirate boats.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Bob Thomas, Lapeer, Michigan — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:52:23 GMT

Two centuries ago the US Navy and the USMC handled a piracy problem that was a lot greater - state sponsored and everything. The problem, including the captives, should be handled by NATO - or the US Navy. As carrier task force would minimize the attacks by going after the "mother ships" and I am sure that the US Navy Seals could rescue most of the hostages. Remember, on the Horn, $600,000 even split 30 ways is more money than anyone can dream about so drastic measures are necessary to counter the attacks.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Mike — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:55:09 GMT

Although I have no direct experience in this area, I would think that International Maritime Law certainly provides leeway for resistance to piracy on the high seas.

Modern Radar and a couple of appropriately ranged missiles could certainly keep the pirates at a distance that prevents their deployment of RPG's. When spotted..and one can assume that radar can identify probable suspects from the conformation of the signal at a significant distance, firing of one warning missile towards the potential attackers should be a sufficient deterrant. They should well be able to understand that when they are being targeted 10 - 12 miles out, it might be a little futile to approach closer to get in range.

In other words ....having ships fitted to defend themselves is probably not a problem..so why has it not come about?

First there would have to be a protocol governing the use of this weaponry any time it is deployed..and the shipping company would need to provide verifiable support data to justify this deployment to the board of international maritime law...If not already in place

The real problem with having armed merchant ships is the political and administrative issues for the owners when they arrive at neutral ports of call. Due to the current climate of terrorist activity, I think their may be significant resistance to having armed vessels cruising into port in countries all over the world..each with it's own policy governing the acceptance of having armed vessels in it's ports.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Justin — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:56:04 GMT

This one's easy. Since they're all greedy party animals looking for drugs and diing of hunger. Find a place to store and lock away the food. Instead have cases of rum, counterfeit cash,and tobacco to give them. Let them board as people who need help from poverty, and let them party and have a good time. While they're having a good time sneak some shark bait over the side and by the time the sharks arrive they'll be good and drunk and then throw them over with their weapons, let them fend for themselves.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Michael — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:12:32 GMT

geez, these people need to be taught a lesson. Its no joking matter, we should make contact with them *cough* obama *cough* and if they don't comply, take em out via undercover patrol boats, that seems fair enough.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

DMurr,Ches,VA — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:15:08 GMT

Blackwater

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Jhawkes, Bakersfield CA — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:16:35 GMT

Not sure why no one has mentioned this, but why not hire the pirates that are attacking the ships to defend the ships. Hire groups of them and pay them salaries. That would work, would it not?

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Quang, San Jose, CA — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:21:34 GMT

I might only be 18, but I think this problem needs to be addressed in more than just one way. Yes, these pirates are indeed desperate people but they should not get away with doing things like this. Sitting and trying to talk it out won't work either as these people have been hopelessly abandoned by their own governments, so why should they trust any other form of authority. While I think these pirates need help to find better ways to a better life, aiding them is a long term issue, but the crimes they are committing present a short term issue that has to be dealt with head-on. The only problem is how? Arming the ships, crews and placing private security can be potentially very expensive. I'm not saying we should completely abandon these ideas, but we need to come up with alternatives. Implement defense mechanisms that can prevent any pirate access to the boat. I'm not sure what but I think if some smart minds thought enough they could come up with something like a panic room or lockdown mode. There are lots of security systems to prevent intruders that could potentially have an application on ships.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Andy Cunningham — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:35:37 GMT

Hire 5 commandos for each ship at the cost of $250,000 or so (cheap insurance). Arm them with RPG's and other military fighting equipment. Wait for the pirates to board the ships and kill them all and blow up their ships!
There is no way NATO or any country is going to mount an attack against these thugs. Fight fire with fire!

Once they believe that the ships are armed the attacks will dwindle because they will not who is armed or not. Right now they know no one is armed and it is a free-for-all!

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Earl Carroll, Greenwood, South Carolina — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:56:24 GMT

It is time to deal with these so called pirates with the same amount of violence as they exude. Each ship navigating these waters should be armed with cannons both forward, aft, port and starboard. Each ship should have a trained security staff armed with AK-47s, handguns and shotguns. If this doesn't stop these violent attacks each company operating in these waters should run their vessels as convoys and have armed patrol boats accompany them. Perhaps such patrol boats could be hired by a coalition of companies. This might even create a whole new industry for men and women not of the faint at heart.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Justin, Silicon Valley, CA — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 01:26:37 GMT

This one's easy. These pirates are definitely party animals with greed and hunger driving them. Invite them on as people in need from an impoverished nation. Just hide the food away in a secret storage where they can't find it and leave out cases of rum (think wild Indians and firewater), and counterfeit money, and tobacco. Let them take it all cuz that's all there is for them and who'll be the wiser? If they decide to party on the ship wait until they get good and drunk. While they party slip a lot of shark bait over the sides. By the time they're too drunk to stand (or swim) the sharks will have arrived (out of hunger) and then throw them all overboard along with there guns, let them fend for themselves.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Yao Fang — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 01:52:13 GMT

The last I heard, most commercial ships are prohibited by the laws of the country that they enter from having weapons aboard. Showing up with fire arms will get the officers, possibly the lower ranking crew members, and the ships detained. Our diplomats have a job to do involving some new treaties.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Clinton, Queens, NY — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 01:54:45 GMT

Shipping lanes with a high risk for piracy should be monitored by GPS technology, and vessels equipped with remotely accessed surveillance and warning devices that will trigger rapid response teams from strategically located maritime 'police' vessels by sea or aerially.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Mike Nelson — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 02:15:31 GMT

Aww their starving, poor conditions, etc, that is no excuse for holding hostages, ships or goods,another form of terrorism, that must be stopped at any cost.The pirate leader poses for pictures, smiling and bragging about the $350.000 he alone got on his last job and he did not forward it to help his Country. If someone pulled this in the States or Canada, they would serve 20 years, if they were lucky, if they were not lucky, their actions would end with a sniper round. End this, blow them outta the water and hunt down the rest, before more innocents die or get left with lasting scars. How long will be before we are watching a couple hundred people being shot or tortured on a cruise ship?

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

R White, Northern California — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 02:17:14 GMT

Patrols are not going to stop the attacks. Only direct action is the only solution to stop piracy. Blockcade the Somali coast, search every vessel. Aerial observation using satelites, drones and manned aircraft to identify any vessels that linger in the area. Armed decoy ships to lure in the pirates and destroy or capture them. This is one of those situations where it does not pay to be nice. Piracy was pretty much wiped out in the 1800's by determined goverments, the reluctance to take action by international forces is why it is flourishing today.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Bill Brooks, Portland, Oregon — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 03:15:06 GMT

Interesting George W. Bush can invade a sovern nation without justification but can't touch these criminals because of simple international rules.

Give me a break!

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Just me — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 03:21:39 GMT

Never Fear! obama is here!

He'll fix everything... and won't have to do anything to do it!

Yeah Obama!!

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Mike — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 03:28:32 GMT

Wow... kill or capture the pirates. What a great idea: some of you are geniuses for having thought of it.

Meanwhile, no "we" don't know where "the" pirates are. Some of you are reacting with your gut because you've finally heard for the first time about a problem that has been plaguing international commerce more or less continuously for the past 500 years. Some of you seem to think that it was wiped out at some point in the past and has just come back in the past few weeks or months. In reality, all that has changed lately is that pirates are getting bolder and there is a higher concentration of it in one region.

And some of you are clueless as to how big the oceans are. Capturing or killing "the" pirates isn't NEARLY as easy a job as capturing or killing Osama bin Laden.

Alternately, it's possible that all the best maritime and military minds are just not quite as knowledgeable about this matter as the knee-jerk collective opinion of this Internet forum.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Sadden American — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 03:32:17 GMT

What I don't understand is why does everyone automatically think this is a problem just for the US military? EVERYTIME the US tries to move to help some poor SOB we get slapped in the face by the World Community! Remember the last time we went to help pooooor Somolia? It the UN really cares, let them fix the issue. And PLEASE, that "ooohh they're poor people" BS is a crock... we fought for our freedoms, maybe it's the Somali people's turn to fight for theirs.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

roger brown terre haute in — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 04:05:49 GMT

we should outsource more of our jobs to somalia soon thet would all be rich and no piracy this would show our love for the pirates tis better to give than receive all they want is a little understanding and we have too many jobs now as people are coming across our tightly sealed border to fill them i say export more jobs to friendly somalia

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Thomas Oxford NC — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 04:26:35 GMT

Bugs Bunny Comments are far more smarter then the rest of you. In order to have weapons on a ship you would have to know the countries laws that you are visiting(merchant sailors are subject to the country law that they are in which include thier teritorial waters). Let say that all of the counrties your ship was visiting there laws allowed firearms then who would decide who and what to shoot. There first time some inocent person got shot that sailor would be held responible. One of the charters of the U.S. Navy is to keep the sealanes open for commerce. How come the U.S. Navy has not done more? How many U.S. Flagged merchat ships been attacked. Most merchant ships have less the 25 personal onboard They are overworked depends on thier rotation but let say 6 month onboard that is 180 days without a day off approx 12 hour days. so when they are attcked there are 12 people awake. The attacks happen very fast. large ships are slow. Samalia is not the only place pirate attacks happen. So what is the solution? Why is this an american problem? It is a problem to the flaghe country of the ships and crew members being
attcked. How many U.S. Personell are beeing held for ransom? excuse the spelling and grammer

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Equarg, Spokane Washington — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 04:38:09 GMT

I saw a story on History Channel where a cruise ship was attacked off of Samalia and they excaped because one of the brave crew members climbed to the top of the ship and used an ultrasonic sounding device on the pirates. Its a new non lethal technology where you point this giant pointed cone at a target and the sound emmitted from the device is so painful to the human ear that its an uncontrolable impulse to cover your ears and move away. Not so easy to fire a rocket launcher with both hands covering your ears! Perhaps these should be manditory on the high seas!

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

J. Bryan, Dallas, Texas — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 04:39:35 GMT

Dear God! Does anyone actually believe that helping improve the economic situation or fostering better education over there is going to prevent criminal behavior? In our best economic times in the US we still had criminal behavior. It has ever been with us. Singing Kumba Ya as a response to an armed attack will get you killed. It is a shame there are so many people too timid to make any attempt to protect themselves. They would rather someone do it for them and take the risks. In life you choose to be a victim or to fight back. Terrorists and criminals do not think like the average Joe and laugh in the face of reason. Grow up.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Jim Wells — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 04:43:06 GMT

Any U.S. citizen who is enough of a dumb ass to be on a cruise ship in these waters gets what they deserve. You want to go on a cruise, do it where you know the waters are friendly. I can see it now, more U.S. taxdollars being spent on people who have more money than brains.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

jeno gregoczki — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 05:10:42 GMT

Anybody ever heard Julius Caesar? When he was catured second time, about 2000 years ago , he promised the pirates that he will return and hang them on the trees. They laughed at him, but not for long . He returned and executed them. Think what you want, but it was a success. You can read it in the Vikipedia.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

David — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 05:32:25 GMT

Actualy, a while back, there was an msn article about piracy. Simply put, NATO and the all the nations' navies cant be every where at all times. The only suggestion that might work is to hire private security. Even Blackwater is offering their services to such civilian/unarmed ships.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Mike Seattle,Wash. — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 05:52:52 GMT

Hey Charlie Brown! Didn't you read the article? These people are "wanted men running from the law". They are spending the money they steal on drugs. Peace and love is nice, but these outlaws don't care about that. Hey Pat Flynn, many ships from other countries fly the Panama flag so they can access the Panama canal cheaper. They pay the country rate to decrease the cost of passing through the locks. The only idea I could think of is to stop sending ships through that area till we get the others back so they don't have anymore hostages, then go in there and wipe them out, or arrest them. Hah, right.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

N. Barham, Ridgecrest, CA — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 06:40:46 GMT

It's amazing how impotent our response is to this. We literally don't have a response. We have taken the role of "interested observer" with no strings attached. I am deeply dissatisfied with our government's choice of "wishing this problem away." The US Navy was not created to sit idly on it's hands and just watch these pirates pillage, plunder, kidnap, extort and kill innocents. Quite the contrary. Our government needs to grow a pair and address this issue today, not tomorrow.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Tony Ball — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:03:43 GMT

AAARRRRRRRRR!!!!

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Nitin, Ecublens, Switzerland — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:51:26 GMT

This account is interesting because it runs contrary to the accepted theory that piracy off the African coast is financed by organised crime with international connections. The only one ^mother ship' harbouring pirate dinghies was flying under the Thai flag. These pirates belonged to the freelance variety,

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

T Byrne, Lusby, MD — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 11:57:51 GMT

US vessels in the area only need one little word to defend themselves... One word... Blackwater.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

kim — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:16:17 GMT

Seems to me a well-placed torpedo will stop the piracy for good.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Bonnie, Linton, Indiana — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:16:00 GMT

How many ships' captains want to go to war? They didn't volunteer for the military. Are they willing to go into battle over what they consider a job?

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

kim — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:19:18 GMT

Am I the only one who can't stop thinking of jonny Depp and Orlando Bloom when reading this? Of course I am not complaiing mind you-- AARRRRR!!

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Mr. Obvious USA — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:37:14 GMT

Don't focus on somali. Like one of you said, poverty is not an excuse and somali waters are not the only area where pirates are a concern. It is a global concern. Those were not poor people on these boats, they were outlawed money hungry drug addicts going after the big score.

Don't change the subject either, piracy is the topic, not a poor country. Poor or not, there are still going to be drug addicts and outlaws. You people who think all criminals come from poor areas, are uneducated, and have unbearable living conditions.. are IGNORANT!! Criminals come from all facets of life.

Who cares what their backgrounds are. When you are caught with even a grain of cocaine and sentenced to years in prison, are they going to look at your background? Are they going to say, "hey this guy has kids"? NO! Crime is crime and punishment is punishment. If you brandish a gun in a bank and refuse to disarm yourself, you're eventually going to get shot and possibly killed. I think we should hang them old fashioned style and let their bodies rot hanging over the salty waters for others to take warning, even if they were shot dead already.

Is it really that hard to take out 7 guys on a boat with a sniper gun from a ship with a bunch of windows? So what if their boat sinks if the pirates successfully retaliate. How long does it really take for a boat to sink? Isn't it a few hours? Is it going to take a few hours to kill those ***holes on their own boats and board those boats? Is it worth the lives of the crew to just give in and let them board?

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Danno, Calif, MD — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:02:45 GMT

NATO? Please! Have we forgetten what it stands for? No Action Talk Only.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

Ziggy — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:39:40 GMT

I say, every ship should carry guns for their own protection.

Captured by pirates, ship captain recounts ordeal

J Ross, Johannesburg, South Africa — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:46:53 GMT

These drug addicted pirates are making a mokery of the international superpowers. Only India has actually taken action.

If I am correct, the law of the High Seas against means that they are to be executed on site and are not under the jusrisdiction of international laws. So when are the Yanks and British and Russians goign to start blowing them out of the water. The reports on this site clearly state where all the ships are being help and also where the headquarters of the Pirates is located.

People worried about the crews on board getting killed or injured do nto understand that the ransom money is being used to purchase drugs and more arms for what ever purpose they need it wich includes international terrorism. All these are resutlign in innocent deaths. Sooner you take action the few lives will be lost.