Negotiations are continuing for the release of an American captain held by Somali pirates in a lifeboat in the Indian Ocean off the Horn of Africa.
He was taken from cargo ship Maersk Alabama after it was briefly seized by pirates a day earlier.
A US warship on anti-pirate patrol in the high-risk area sailed to the ship.
It remains unclear what the pirates want, but maritime sources say it could be a ransom or compensation for their boat which sank during the attack. ...
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In the old days (last week) Somali pirates would occasionally board a ship, there'd be some negotiations, money would change hands, and the ship would be back on track. That was not a good system, but it was a system.
Then the first American flagged ship to get taken by the pirates comes along and…
Over at Majikthise, Lindsay Beyerstein has a post up that takes a look at the Navy's handling of the attempted piracy/hostage standoff involving the captain of the Maersk Alabama. She makes some good points at the beginning and end of the article, but I think she misses to point a bit in the…
Lindsay Beyerstein rightly thinks there's "Enough dead teen pirate porn already." While we're all glad that Captain Phillips was safely recovered, Lindsay raises some important questions:
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... but seriously ... even though we all hate it when a bunch of armed and desperate people board a ship of humanitarian relief supplies that they don't own and demand large sums of money, we also know that few people grow up to become pirates without a reason.
So let's get some perspective, and…
During negotiations, I hope it will be kept in mind that that pirates already failed to keep their word once, that is why they still have the captain in captivity.
They want compensation for their boat? That's hilarious.
I used to read the police blotter in my local paper - there were some doozies. One time the police received a complaing from a gentleman that someone had entered his backyard and "stomped on his cat-catcher." I still laugh over that one.
What if the victim ships could shoot back?
Just send The Navy Seals in at night, whack the idiots and take Capt Phillips to the destroyer. 1-2-3 Done
Apr 13, 2009 10:51 AM
Subject:
a Sad Day for Pirates and the Brethren
Body:
An Investigation must be launched concerning the Somali Pirates and their demise. If in fact they were threatening the Captain of the US Ship, then YES They had it coming but, If they weren't then No, Pirates have long time kidnapped people and ransomed them back for cash, a Code was established to prevent pirates from becoming murderous sea dogs, now to imply harm, is not the same as to inflict it. Many will refer to Edward Teach, (A.K.A. Black beard) but he was not accepted by the brethren or any others in pirate circles, (Devils son) he was called, For the Most part, Pirates bluff, and they bluff big time. If these self proclaimed pirates were in fact dealing in human cargo, then Kill them, as they are nothing more than slavers. Also keep in mind that their (The Pirates) Captain is the man wholly responsible for his crews actions, and not the Crew themselves. I believe that the US Navy Over reacted and went "Blood N Guts" without cause. Until I see evidence, i.e. Bodies floating home, I think the Pirates must be honored, To all you would be Pirates out there that saw POTC and fell in love with Depp, Don't fly our colors, Find your own. To all the Mates World wide, Like John King, Toast your fallen brethren....
Captain H.L.Morgan, Esq.
ROS Port Royale, ROS Jolly Roger