Apr 19 2009
Is piracy just a fad?
Pirates are on the attack. In recent past, they have even managed to take an American ship. What do these goons think they are doing? The trend to take merchant ships and cargo vessels is one that must be dealt with before the “fad” becomes a daily reality.
Pirates are getting more and more bold. They recently absconded the first American ship to succumb to pirates since the 1800’s. They usually demand ransom for the vessels and the prisoners they take with them. The nautical thieves are gaining the financial means to grow as a group. If the world doesn’t begin to take notice and action, they will own the civilian high seas. If you have ideas how to deal with these criminals, leave a comment. I will gladly notify the necessary channels of any ideas that I believe will work.
Hi, JL
About 9 yrs ago, I was thinking about taking a cruise as a college grad present to myself. Around the same time, I saw a show on modern day pirates. I really had no idea such even still existed. I was amazed to see how, esp off the coast of Africa, these scum were so bold. Thankfully, most were using rudimentary weapons. But, today, these criminal pirates are still as bold….but are getting their hands on faster boats and more tech savy weapons.
I really do not know what the answer is, but a lot of private cargos are hiring armed guards to travel with them. The cruise liners may need to invest in such. I heard something about the legality of arming these boats, but I don’t know about how international maritime laws work.
Great subject here, my friend.
Buzzed up and Su’d , too!
one more…great blog!
It is still technically illegal to fly a skull and crossbone flag on an American boat..
Yes it is still illegal to fly the “pirates flag” but I remember reading somewhere about a Riverboat, I believe, that flies it… I will Google it. If I find it…I will leave the link here for all to see.
there are also pirates dumping nuclear waste and other crap off the coast of somolia, there are foreign fishing boats that are looting their waters with out fishing licences. those guys are pirates too but they come from much more powerful european nations and dont get the press coverage that the other pirates do.. I think enforcing the laws on all ships would be good but who is going to keep the europeans in check? all I can say is ARG arrrg and arrg again. I don’t think this problem has a simple fix
That’s quite doubtful. I doubt.
Are you OK?? tired, sick, ill?