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Pirates Recapture Captain After Failed Escape

By Jeralyn, Section Foreign Affairs
Posted on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 10:42:37 AM EST
Tags: Somali pirates (all tags)
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Captain Richard Phillips tried to escape from the Somali pirates by jumping off the lifeboat, but was recaptured.

Negotiations are ongoing for his release. Ransom demands have been made. The lifeboat is out of fuel. There are no toilets on the lifeboat.

I think the pirates will release the Captain. I hope I'm right.

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    Pirates Recapture Captain After Failed Escape | 98 comments (98 topical)

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    The brave captain... (5.00 / 1) (#4)
    by kdog on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 10:54:42 AM EST
    has stones to match, or exceed, the pirates.

    Lets just hope no blood is drawn and the FBI negotiators help instead of hinder the captain's safe return.  

    I say just pay the vig and get the guy back to his crew, and then back to his home.  

    But then the pirates win!!! (none / 0) (#5)
    by oculus on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 11:01:22 AM EST


    Parent
    The captain is very brave (none / 0) (#8)
    by Amiss on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 11:08:08 AM EST
    I agree. The pirates, not so much.

    Parent
    Where are the Navy Seals? (none / 0) (#12)
    by oculus on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 11:30:14 AM EST


    Parent
    In Afghanistan? (none / 0) (#13)
    by Jen M on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 11:37:37 AM EST
    Under the boat?

         ¬.¬

    Parent

    I suspect they'll be under the boat (none / 0) (#52)
    by oculus on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 12:49:50 PM EST
    by tonight.

    Parent
    I think the pirates... (none / 0) (#21)
    by kdog on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 11:54:57 AM EST
    are extremely brave, not too righteous, but courageous none the less.

    They're staring down a warship in a glorified dingy with hand held arms...that's brave.

    Parent

    There is a very fine line (5.00 / 3) (#31)
    by CoralGables on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 12:03:06 PM EST
    between courage and stupidity.

    Parent
    "I say just pay the vig . . . (none / 0) (#14)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 11:41:11 AM EST
    . . . and get the guy back to his crew, and then back to his home."

    I agree.  then go after them like rabid dogs to make sure this never happens again.
       

    Parent

    You Mean (5.00 / 1) (#15)
    by squeaky on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 11:45:36 AM EST
    Start another war?

    Parent
    with pirates (none / 0) (#18)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 11:52:33 AM EST
    that should be a short war

    Parent
    1,000,000 Square Miles of Sea? (none / 0) (#22)
    by squeaky on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 11:56:00 AM EST
    And they do not only live on the sea. Wonder how much this "short war" as you put it will cost? $100 billion for starters?

    Parent
    ok (5.00 / 2) (#24)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 11:59:07 AM EST
    then lets are the sh*t out of merchant vessels and let them defend themselves.
    whatever it takes they cant be allowed to kidnap people.  period.


    Parent
    that would be (none / 0) (#25)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 11:59:43 AM EST
    ARM the sh*t out of merchant vessels.

    Parent
    LA Times this week had a map (none / 0) (#26)
    by oculus on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 11:59:51 AM EST
    indicating the village where the pirates are primarily based. But, maybe these pirates don't dress like we expect of movie pirates.  Might be some collateral damage.

    Parent
    Im down with some (none / 0) (#29)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 12:01:40 PM EST
    collateral damage. then they will be some local pressure.


    Parent
    I hope you don't mean that Capt.... (5.00 / 1) (#40)
    by kdog on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 12:09:03 PM EST
    it would be like bombing your neighborhood because some criminals live there.

    Parent
    I am completely serious (5.00 / 1) (#55)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 01:06:41 PM EST
    if pirates lived in my neighborhood and were kidnapping people I would either make sure the police were alerted to their presence or I would deserve to get bombed.
    they can not be allowed to kidnap people who have done nothing except be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
    if it was your loved one, or you, you would agree I suspect.


    Parent
    So (none / 0) (#57)
    by squeaky on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 01:13:43 PM EST
    Are you in agreement with those who thought the WTC dead were collaborators and deserved to die? Seems to me a world where the good guys always wear white and the bad guys always wear black only exists in hollywood.

    Parent
    that is an absurd comparison (5.00 / 1) (#58)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 01:21:40 PM EST
    we are talking about pirates.  PIRATES.  otherwise known as thugs and criminals who kidnap and kill people for a living.
    know how to deal with thugs?  if they pull a knife you pull a gun.  if they pull a gun you pull a 75mm recoilless.
    what, out of curiosity, would do?  particularly if they kill the guy and they have threatened if they are not paid?


    Parent
    One Man's Thug.... (none / 0) (#60)
    by squeaky on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 01:27:22 PM EST
    From the pictures I have seen in Abu Ghraib, the stories I have read from the red cross, and the brutality of the Israelis, I do not see such a clear difference as you do.

    Parent
    I really dont see the point of all this (5.00 / 1) (#61)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 01:39:08 PM EST
    relativism.  are you saying that because some bad things were done in GitMo or Gaza or whereever else that we should allow innocent people to be kidnapped and killed?
    I hate to keep bringing it up but I strongly suspect that if it was you or a loved one you would see things differently.

    Parent
    No (none / 0) (#66)
    by squeaky on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 01:55:36 PM EST
    I am responding to your rather callous comment regarding collateral damage.

    Parent
    from what I hear in this thread (5.00 / 1) (#67)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 02:02:59 PM EST
    they are "loved" by their neighbors.  now allowing for cultural differences I dont really see how you could love kidnappers unless you were asking for some collateral damage.

    I certainly think it should be avoided at almost any cost.  where I would draw the line is that they AND their neighbors have to be shown in no uncertain terms that this will not be tolerated.  also I dont see why they cant be taken out at sea.  surly we have satellites that monitor every inch of that area.  and if we dont its obviously time we did.

    send in the drones.

    Parent

    Extraordinary Rendition (none / 0) (#73)
    by squeaky on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 02:26:52 PM EST
    ...now allowing for cultural differences I dont really see how you could love kidnappers unless you were asking for some collateral damage.

    We do it, or did it with alarming frequency. So, back to my original question, do you then agree that the WTC was justifiable collateral damage?

    And apart from that, I simply do not think that the US should be playing superman particularly when it comes to protecting corporate business. Obviously the 20,000 or so commercial ships that pass through the Horn of Africa are taking a well calculated risk, iow they are making good money and more than likely insured up the wazoo.

     

    Parent

    that is so looney I hardly know where to start (none / 0) (#80)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 02:58:21 PM EST
    but if a slow friday so lets have a whack.
    first off.  I never approved of Rendition.  anyone who did it or approved it should be tried in a US court as far as I am concerned.
    second, of course I dont agree with your ridiculous relativism about the WTC.  
    finally, so your solution is to do nothing unless you are directly affected.
    got it.

    Parent
    Not My Relativism (none / 0) (#82)
    by squeaky on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 03:10:43 PM EST
    Collateral damage was the reason and justification for bombing the WTC by many.  You are comfortable with regarding Somali citizens who do not turn in their Pirate neighbors. I do not see this as much different, save that many who view WTC as collateral damage were directly affected by US policy.

    Another analogous situation, which you mention, would be the collateral damage, in Pakistan drone killings.

    None of the collateral damage in these examples is fine and dandy AFAIAC.

    I believe that paying the ransom is appropriate here, and arresting and trying the pirates would be in order. Killing and bombing alleged bad guys and their neighbors seems absolutely immoral and crazy to me.

    Parent

    ha (5.00 / 1) (#63)
    by connecticut yankee on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 01:44:48 PM EST
    Flinging abu ghraib into a pirate discussion.  What's next? Hiroshima when talking health care?

    Are you even an american citizen?  

    Parent

    Yeah (5.00 / 1) (#54)
    by sj on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 01:04:59 PM EST
    'cause that worked so well in Iraq.

    Parent
    so (none / 0) (#56)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 01:11:00 PM EST
    what is the plan?
    let them kidnap anyone the want pay the ransom and just hope they dont decide to kill someone?


    Parent
    And The People We Kidnapped? (none / 0) (#44)
    by squeaky on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 12:22:54 PM EST
    Collateral damage ok then too? Some say the WTC was collateral damage.

    Parent
    A Sane Vew (none / 0) (#83)
    by squeaky on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 03:43:52 PM EST
    He says the Maersk Alabama has a lot of people "shaking their fists." He advises, though, it would be better to "keep an eye on the big picture and look at the end game."

    Some have suggested a very targeted military response, such as destroying the pirate mother ships or the pirate leader mansions built from ransom money. Patch advises caution there as well.

    "If there was any kind of effort to move ashore, if I was making any recommendations, it would be to ensure it's a multi-lateral approach...sanctioned by the UN. That is, very clear and specific information on what the objective is that you're going after.... Imagine the ramifications if we hit the wrong house, the wrong village and we have 50 dead Somali civilians on our hands. That is an issue that might result in much worse situations and, frankly, a policy outcome that the US doesn't necessarily want," he says.

    link

    Parent

    Weve beaten pirates before. (none / 0) (#32)
    by connecticut yankee on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 12:03:40 PM EST
    The barbary pirates in the 19th century.  US marines got the name "leathernecks" because of leather collars they used to protect themselves from cutlasses during boarding actions.

    Parent
    OOps (none / 0) (#50)
    by squeaky on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 12:48:49 PM EST
    Make that 2.5 million square miles of sea and 20,000 passing ships/year.

    Parent
    Maybe (none / 0) (#64)
    by connecticut yankee on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 01:45:44 PM EST
    But the port is only a few hundred meters wide.

    Parent
    Port? (none / 0) (#87)
    by squeaky on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 07:00:37 PM EST
    The area covers 2,400 miles of coastline.

    Parent
    what? (none / 0) (#90)
    by connecticut yankee on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 07:12:48 PM EST
    You think they just randomly land on deserted shorelines?  These arent dug out canoes.  They have motherships from which they launch faster attack boats.

    Parent
    Easy? (5.00 / 1) (#91)
    by squeaky on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 07:59:49 PM EST
    To cover a small port small port would be easy, iow there would be no pirate attacks. These pirates use the coastline and the over 2 million sq miles fully.

    For more info here and here. As far as starting a land campaign, or occupying the country/port, John Patch an associate professor for strategic intelligence at the US Army War College and a retired Navy surface warfare officer and career intelligence officer,  believes that our hands are full at the moment. I tend to agree.

    Parent

    ha (none / 0) (#93)
    by connecticut yankee on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 09:24:17 PM EST
    There are naval ships from 20 nations currently stationed off somalia and there have been 5 attacks in the past week.

    Beyond that, I dont think you have a point beyond your unhappiness with any use of the military. By europeans anyway.

    Parent

    huh? (none / 0) (#94)
    by squeaky on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 10:48:46 PM EST
    Not sure what you are saying. Are you advocating a war?  With a .75% chance of a Somalian pirate attack, and that is an overestimate for sure, you are advocating a military strike on Somalia?

    If so that is nuts, imo.

    Parent

    big surprise that you think that. (none / 0) (#95)
    by connecticut yankee on Sat Apr 11, 2009 at 02:47:38 AM EST
    But I am surprised that you call them pirates.  That's a very racist and dehumanizing term to use.   Why not try undocumented marine asset redistribution specialist?

    Parent
    Arrrrgh... (none / 0) (#20)
    by scribe on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 11:54:11 AM EST
    There are a bunch of sailors who've been getting neither attention, glory, nor action for years.  You think they're not polishing all their weapons at a fever pitch, getting ready for the coming "fight" with the pirates?

    I mean, when was the last time the Navy "fought" a surface action against anyone, let alone fighting it with a major ship?  Maybe back in the days of PBRs on the rivers of Vietnam?  And, remember, those were not major ships like the frigates/destroyers involved here.

    Those sailors (and especially their captains) are messing their pants with anticipation.

    And, then, think of all the barroom stories about fighting pirates they'll all be able to tell for the rest of their lives....

    Parent

    They blew up.. (none / 0) (#43)
    by connecticut yankee on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 12:22:42 PM EST
    some Libyan missile boats in 86 when Kaddafi decided try his luck in the gulf of sidra.  


    Parent
    True, but (none / 0) (#53)
    by scribe on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 01:03:36 PM EST
    that was planes dropping bombs and a couple of Harpoon missiles.

    Any fight here is going to be gunfire at "short" ranges.

    Parent

    It's gonna happen again brother... (none / 0) (#23)
    by kdog on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 11:57:58 AM EST
    two sure things in life...death and the vig.

    Parent
    I smell another (5.00 / 1) (#28)
    by SOS on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 12:00:28 PM EST
    hollywood movie in the making.

    More pirates are on the way (none / 0) (#1)
    by waldenpond on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 10:47:23 AM EST
    Watching teebee.  It was reported early yesterday the military was picking up chatter other pirates were going to come assist their fellow pirates.

    Today it has been reported, additional ships have been hi-jacked and additional pirates are taking their new hostages to the seen.

    This may depend on who gets their first. The pirates may try to transfer the captain on to a new ship.  

    I keep hearing from my co-workers (5.00 / 1) (#3)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 10:51:54 AM EST
    who are mostly recently teen ago boys who think being a pirate is cool, that the pirates are really not so bad and they have never harmed anyone and injuries will only probably happen if the navy intervenes.
    I dont get it.  I was a merchant seaman.  that could be me.  
    I say show these pirates worlds end US Navy style.

    Parent
    I se where you're coming from Capt... (none / 0) (#6)
    by kdog on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 11:02:44 AM EST
    though if you travel internationally you need to be prepared to pay the vig wherever you go.  

    Piracy is the lawless Somali version of a toll or a tax to use their waterways...killing these guys is only gonna make the situation hairier.  I don't know how you'd go about it, but the best thing would be for the international shippers and the pirates to negotiate some kind of proper toll or tax collection...the shippers get use of Somali waters, the Somalis get their vig without violence...everybody wins.

    Parent

    NPR reported the Somali pirates are (5.00 / 1) (#7)
    by oculus on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 11:05:26 AM EST
    operating in international waters.  

    Parent
    The reports I've seen put this drama (5.00 / 2) (#17)
    by scribe on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 11:49:59 AM EST
    about 350 miles off-shore - well into international waters.

    All those pirate buddies coming out to the rescue of their fellow pirates has got to be about the single dumbest thing I've ever heard of doing.

    The Navy's got one ship already on station, another closing in, and a couple more on the way, not to mention aircraft on scene, too.  So, all the pirates are going out there.  Dumb, dumber and dumbest.  They should be staying on-shore and hanging out with their pirate groupies and accountants and PR people, waiting for the heat to leave.

    As one other commenter indicated, the Navy's going to show the pirates World's End.

    Parent

    Never underestimate (5.00 / 3) (#30)
    by SOS on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 12:02:29 PM EST
    the stupidity behind macho male bravado.

    Parent
    Nor the stupidity (5.00 / 1) (#38)
    by scribe on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 12:07:11 PM EST
    that the belief a pile of money is lying right over there waiting for you to pick it up can engender.

    Parent
    warlord stuff. (none / 0) (#9)
    by connecticut yankee on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 11:10:12 AM EST
    What is a little bit ironic is that the american left opposed US intervention in somalia (war for oil many claimed).  So we leave after public sentiment turns, the place returns to anarchy and now theyve finally decided to export the larceny beyond their own borders.

    This might fall under the category of unintended consquences... But the irony probably won't be fully realized until they capture a greenpeace ship.

    Parent

    Indeed (none / 0) (#11)
    by CoralGables on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 11:27:38 AM EST
    It was reported the ship was seized 310 miles off the coast.

    According to The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea:

    * Coastal States exercise sovereignty over their territorial sea which they have the right to establish its breadth up to a limit not to exceed 12 nautical miles; foreign vessels are allowed "innocent passage" through those waters*

    Parent

    I think the pirates.... (none / 0) (#27)
    by kdog on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 12:00:04 PM EST
    see it differently.  Who is right?  Beats me.

    Parent
    WHAAAA? (5.00 / 3) (#35)
    by Cream City on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 12:04:55 PM EST
    I understand your libertarianism.  I understand it borders on anarchy.  It makes for fun comments.

    But not this one.

    Parent

    So if the international set... (none / 0) (#41)
    by kdog on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 12:12:33 PM EST
    pillages the "international" waters off of the Somali coast the fishermen of Somalia are just supposed to roll over and starve because those are the "rules", "rules" that the Somali people had no say in?

    Parent
    German radio reports (none / 0) (#36)
    by scribe on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 12:05:17 PM EST
    that the issue has sharpened as the pirates have now declared they will kill the hostage captain if a ransom is not paid.

    German radio quotes AG Holder as saying it is hoped this can be resolved bloodlessly.

    Interesting, that Holder is who gets sent out to talk to the press about this....  Tells me that he's the front, and the military is going to whack these pirates.

    But that's my surmise.

    Parent

    I hope not (none / 0) (#79)
    by Amiss on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 02:54:52 PM EST
    but it certainly sounds that way.

    Parent
    I have a feeling they wouldn't be happy (5.00 / 2) (#10)
    by nycstray on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 11:18:30 AM EST
    with a tax. Sounds like they are pulling in quite a bit of cash this way, if I heard right. . . .

    Parent
    The swap failed (none / 0) (#16)
    by waldenpond on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 11:46:55 AM EST
    There is nothing to stop them.  Corporations will decide whether it is better for the bottom line to allow a ship to be held and pay ransom or put security on board.  It's passed on to the consumer (or hits the bottom line of that great insurer AIG)

    Parent
    kdog, you really think these dudes (none / 0) (#19)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 11:53:41 AM EST
    are Robin Hoods?

    Parent
    Can't be sure... (none / 0) (#33)
    by kdog on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 12:03:51 PM EST
    their people seem to love them, much as the English people love Robin Hood.

    The disgruntled fishermen I would say very much so, the straight-up gangsters not so much.

    Parent

    I think they're piss ant punks. (5.00 / 1) (#42)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 12:17:17 PM EST
    But, then again, back in the day, when I was traveling throughout C & S America, we backpackers considered the various times we were robbed a "traveler's tax"...

    (As an aside, I just now realized for the first time where the name 'Robin Hood' came from. Doh!)

    Parent

    And Robin Hood... (none / 0) (#45)
    by kdog on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 12:25:04 PM EST
    was a pirate of the trails through Sherwood Forrest, taking sh*t that wasn't his and spreading the wealth around his band of merry men.  Righteous?  No.  Necessary?  Perhaps.

    The Sherriff of Nautingham surely thought of him as a piss ant punk:)

    Parent

    A story of fiction. (5.00 / 2) (#46)
    by Wile ECoyote on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 12:33:47 PM EST
    Next up, Star Wars recaps!

    Parent
    Why not... (none / 0) (#69)
    by kdog on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 02:13:39 PM EST
    if you can learn a lesson from English folklore or Star Wars or Kafka, its as good as history.

    Parent
    Do you think the Somali Hoods (5.00 / 1) (#47)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 12:34:11 PM EST
    use the money they steal to feed their nation's hungry?

    Parent
    Not enough of the hungry... (none / 0) (#68)
    by kdog on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 02:10:42 PM EST
    to be sure, but some.

    I know it ain't right bro, and in a perfect world it wouldn't be necessary.  Compared to Joe Cassano these guys are Robin Hood, in my knuckleheaded opinion.

    Parent

    OF course they love them (none / 0) (#37)
    by scribe on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 12:06:03 PM EST
    they've got money to spend, and no hesitation about spending it.

    It's the only profitable business in town.

    Parent

    One guy commented to LAT (none / 0) (#51)
    by oculus on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 12:48:53 PM EST
    all the girls are going for the pirates and what is a non-pirate guy to do?

    Parent
    not just the girls (none / 0) (#59)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 01:26:31 PM EST
    I expect to see eye patches and parrots here any day now.
    I thought I had seen the it all.  but no.


    Parent
    Do you suppose kdog wears an (none / 0) (#62)
    by oculus on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 01:43:53 PM EST
    eye patch?

    Parent
    ha (none / 0) (#65)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 01:54:26 PM EST
    he might.  probably why we usually agree.
    arrrr.

    Parent
    Not yet... (none / 0) (#70)
    by kdog on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 02:16:34 PM EST
    reduced to piracy...last resort I assure you Oc.

    Parent
    I thought maybe the eyepatch (none / 0) (#76)
    by oculus on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 02:44:26 PM EST
    may have deterred you from meeting me near Lincoln Center!

    Parent
    Really? (none / 0) (#96)
    by MrConservative on Sat Apr 11, 2009 at 02:53:31 AM EST
    What government does the money go to?

    What government randomly accosts arbitrary ships passing in international waters near their nation and demands ransom?

    Parent

    Ouch (none / 0) (#2)
    by waldenpond on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 10:48:56 AM EST
    That was bad.....seen should be scene,
    their should be there.

    Parent
    U.S. Navy is already there (none / 0) (#74)
    by gyrfalcon on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 02:28:03 PM EST
    I think three ships now, and maybe more coming.  Not a chance they're going to let these guys anywhere near that lifeboat.

    Parent
    Just print up fake notes (none / 0) (#34)
    by SOS on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 12:04:52 PM EST
    for the ransom. Pirates can then go back and buy one of the many McMansion's popping up on the Somalian mainland. And a Porsche.
    How bout cruise missile therapy? (none / 0) (#39)
    by SOS on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 12:07:15 PM EST
    Towns acting as pirate bases along Somalia's Indian Ocean coastline have come back to life, with locals rubbing their hands at a cash bonanza anticipated from ransoms.

    "We can smell the cash near," said Yassin Dheere, a former fisherman who has become a wealthy financier of piracy based in the coastal village of Eyl.

    The French just killed some pirates (none / 0) (#48)
    by connecticut yankee on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 12:44:03 PM EST
    and one hostage while retaking a french yacht off somalia. Apparently they wouldnt accept the French demands and tried to sail away.
    wow (5.00 / 1) (#49)
    by connecticut yankee on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 12:45:42 PM EST
    theyve taken like 5 ships in the past week and currently have about 14 ships hostage.

    Parent
    It appears greed... (none / 0) (#71)
    by kdog on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 02:18:23 PM EST
    is an issue all over...everybody can't help themselves from going to the well one too many times.

    Whaddya gonna do...this world is crazy.

    Parent

    in all honesty (none / 0) (#72)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 02:23:26 PM EST
    if all they did was steal money or goods from multinational corporations I would be a lot more likely to agree with you.
    when you kidnap someone and threaten to kill them, even if you dont ultimately do that, thats where my tolerance for it ends.
    and I suppose I am more up in arms because I used to do this.  its pretty easy to imagine myself in that persons shoes.


    Parent
    You're absolutely right Capt... (none / 0) (#75)
    by kdog on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 02:41:44 PM EST
    there is no excuse for it. If the pirates get smoked they begged for it.  It is indefensible, no matter how much I generally root for pirates getting over on multinational corporations.

    Thats why I'm rooting for pay the vig and everybody goes home.  

    Just saw the connection between the pirates and Wall St. slaying their respective golden gooses because of greed...people will never learn.

    Parent

    amen (none / 0) (#77)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 02:53:05 PM EST
    pirates are pirates.

    Wall St pirates are probably worse.  they usually steal from the not rich and give to themselves.


    Parent

    I should think unmanned drones (none / 0) (#85)
    by Inspector Gadget on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 04:08:44 PM EST
    would be a wonderful tool to use against the pirates. Lob a few shots close enough to them when they are heading out to sea to discourage them from going further, and letting them know they are in our sites and we're constantly watching them.

    Those drones have terrific aim.


    Parent

    $2 Million Ransom (none / 0) (#78)
    by squeaky on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 02:54:25 PM EST
    Somali pirates holding an American hostage on a drifting lifeboat want $2 million for his release, a fellow pirate onshore said on Friday.

    The pirate, speaking to Reuters from Haradheere port, also said other pirates were taking a hijacked German ship, with foreign crew on board, towards the scene in the Indian Ocean where the lifeboat is floating, watched by U.S. warships.

    Reuters

    They could collect the money from advertisers, as I am sure the teevee is covering this story big time.

    You have a point (none / 0) (#81)
    by Amiss on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 03:01:46 PM EST
    they pay a heck of a lot more for an ad in prime time teevee than the ransom is. At the same time, these merchant marines I am sure are getting great pay for where they are going, so they knew the risks before they signed on.

    As far as the ships from their pirate buddies coming to their aid, I dont think they will make it near them at all. I hope the US would intercept these ships before they made it.

    Parent

    "so they knew the risks (none / 0) (#84)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 03:58:46 PM EST
    before they signed on"

    unbelievable.  absolutely.

    and btw.  
    they dont make all that much.


    Parent

    I didnt mean it that way, I am sorry it sounded so (none / 0) (#86)
    by Amiss on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 06:22:11 PM EST
    but I didnt state it quite right either. What I meant was that these merchant marines have to know the dangers of the Somali and the companies should prepare them better and I would think that they are paid comparable to combat pay rather than ordinary pay, if that makes more sense to you. The whole situation is just sad, I feel sorry for the Captain and feel he is very brave. The pirates on the other hand are just filling their coffers, just like the greedy Wall St. bastids.

    I just hope they dont let the boats of pirates headed out to help them to get through. That would be the worst possible thing that could happen.

    Parent

    Not So Common (none / 0) (#88)
    by squeaky on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 07:03:43 PM EST
    Odds are good that a ship will safely pass the pirates waters without incident. Last year there were 150 attacks out of 20,000. That is .75% chance of getting boarded by the pirates.  

    I would imagine that there are greater risks involved. But if it gets worse, outfits like this, aka blackwater of the sea, may start to see a surge in business.

    Parent

    I'd like to know (none / 0) (#89)
    by Patrick on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 07:11:44 PM EST
    More about the escape attempt.   How far did he get?  Was there a contingency plan in place to respond to unforeseen circumstances such as an escape attempt and if so, why wasn't it implemented.   If the pictures I see are accurate, taking these guys out w/o hurting the hostage shouldn't be too difficult.  

    Turns out to be difficult -- and fatal (5.00 / 1) (#92)
    by Cream City on Fri Apr 10, 2009 at 08:35:13 PM EST
    for a French captain held hostage when France stormed Somalis today.  His wife and child, also hostages, had to see it.

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    Somehow (none / 0) (#97)
    by Patrick on Sat Apr 11, 2009 at 03:38:22 AM EST
    I think the scenario was a bit different for the French.   This case has what, 7 guys on a open dingy? No real place for them to hide or ambush assault teams, no time to clear, visually or with force if neccesary the entire vessel.  Couple snipers and a couple frogmen.  

    Parent
    I've read the boat is covered. (none / 0) (#98)
    by oculus on Sat Apr 11, 2009 at 08:57:12 AM EST


    Parent
    Pirates Recapture Captain After Failed Escape | 98 comments (98 topical)

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