Pirates Strike Back!

[blue]

Pirates using rocket-propelled grenades and automatic weapons attacked a United States-flagged cargo ship on Tuesday off the coast of Somalia, but they failed to board the craft, the ship’s owner said.

Link.

Probably the same ship.

Somali pirates attacked and damaged an American ship carrying humanitarian aid Tuesday, but the ship and crew were safe under Navy escort, the military and shipping company said.

Link.

Somali pirates hijacked two more cargo vessels and opened fire on two others on Tuesday in attacks that showed a determination to go on striking at shipping on the region's strategic trade routes.

Link.

Google news links.

[RICHARD]

Heh Heh, Don't worry!

After the U.S. steps forward and begins enforcing the 'rules of the road', everyone else will fall in line and get their ships safe.


I just hope it don't get the point where any U.S. citizens get deep-sixed and everyone start to whine about why "We didn't do anything about it!"

[Medusa]

Please excuse my ignorance but why aren't our ships armed and ready to defend? What have I missed?

[Karen]

Please excuse my ignorance but why aren't our ships armed and ready to defend? What have I missed?

Most of these ships are merchant ships - cargo ships are not usually armed! Navy ships, yes.

[Medusa]

Most of these ships are merchant ships - cargo ships are not usually armed! Navy ships, yes.

So is there some legal reason why they can't be armed then?

[lvpets2002]

No not that I know of.. Its just we have never had such a problem before.. Like Karen said Cargo & Transport Ships have never been armed.. However that is what they are saying now is for all the Cargo & Transport Ships need to start being with Armed Guns..

So is there some legal reason why they can't be armed then?

[Cinder & Smoke]

So is there some legal reason why they can't be armed then?

YES - there are some legal reasons; and a lot of moral / personal reasons that
Merchant Ships should NOT be armed with guns ...

Legal Reasons:
* Many ports forbid armed Navy vessels from entering without special permission
* Armed vessels may have to dock far from populated areas
* Seamen's Unions will probably oppose arming their members without offering extra pay
* Without extensive (and expensive) training, an armed Seaman is a liability to
his own shipmates and the general public.

Moral / Personal reasons not to arm:
* Bad guys are more likely to *shoot* if they THINK the Good guys might
* Civilian Ships are not armored - poorly suited to withstand gunfire
* Civilian Seamen joined to sail the ship - not play Marine
* Where do you draw the line? How BIG a gun is OK?

My suggestion - let the Navy Guys *sink* a few more pirates and the
*thrill* of hijacking may start to fade a bit.

GO NAVY!!