I am a mariner, and I see the lack of any comments to this article, as an indicator of the level of interest that an article on piracy holds to the general public. The democratic world,a dn the powers hat be, will never be able to increase their response, as long as there is no public uproar. The pirates on their part have been very clever and have tried thier there best to avoid casualities - I wonder how a desperate bunch of pirates who have nothing to loose, have avoided carelessly shooting a few seaman in some bout of anger - they must be working to some code of pirate rules, to prevent killing the golden goose.
Personally I would do not worry too much if I were to trade my ship in the area; after a hijack do as the pirates say and await the ransom to be paid. As long as they have the ship and its cargo, the ransom WILL BE PAID. I would just pray that some navy does not attempt a hollywood style take over bid and endanger the lives of those on board.

Thank you for a very useful report with key data. Countering piracy ultimately means changing attitudes and conditions on the ground in Somalia. The naval task forces off the Horn of Africa are playing an important role, but their contributions can be enhanced by taking a more strategic approach. Those task forces can serve as the medium for building new partnerships with Somalis and other interested African actors, working to increase the African stake in maritime governance and creating a new strategic message for international partners working to improve governance ashore. To read more on building African maritime partnerships, see the attached link. Thanks again for this important contribution.

-Mike Baker

https://secure.www.cfr.org/publication/22465/building_african_partnerships_to_defeat_piracy.html

So why doesn't another a rival armed band offer to sell protection to ships? Third-worlders could avoid criticism for brutality when they sink the pirate boats -- and they could enjoy a steady stream of income from every ship they escorted.

If the UN can declare a no fly zone above Iraq after the first Gulf war, why can't they declare a no ship zone in Somalia. Prohibit ships from going in and coming out of Somalia. Sink them in ports, destroy them on the beach, sink them in the water (putting the people back on shore of course). The civilian Iraqi airline suffered just as much from the no fly zone so it's not like there's no precedent for collective punishment. Besides, most of Somalia's fishermen have became pirates anyways.

WILL BE PAID. I would just pray that some navy does not attempt a hollywood style take over bid and endanger the lives of those on board.
The civilian Iraqi airline suffered just as much from the no fly zone so it's not like there's no precedent for collective punishment. Besides, most of Somalia's fishermen have became pirates anyways.

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Most pirates apprehended are then turned loose. There is no incentive for them to change their ways.

Take the engines from their boats and donate them to people who will use them for something worthwhile. The have the pirates attempt to swim home. No court costs or incarceration costs, and the pirates get recycled. It's a win-win.

Of those 460 who were released, how many were released on land, and how many were "released" onto inflatable rafts midocean with no food or water?

Bluntly, this might be the solution, or a major tool in mitigating the pirate problem.

"Mariner" suggests that the rest of the world isn't concerned enough--but oh, by the way, please don't do anything comprehensive like trying to wipe out the pirates' villages.

Perhaps "mariner" should lead other captains and ask them not to go those routes unless the countries that have been flagging them so conveniently start protecting them--where's the Panamanian Navy? The Liberian Navy? And if they want US/French/Soviet/Chinese protection maybe they should be required to reflag.

He could also ask for protection--make sure his ship is armed with 50 cal and perhaps a bofors gun or two that can track the pirates' boats and sink them. After all part ot the problem according to the article is the low risk. If the pirates were blown out of the water or hung, and their villages burned perhaps it wouldn't be jolly good fun.

As far as the public not caring--excuuuuuuuuuse me. Consider how much we taxpayers are spending to protect "mariners" whiney little hide--he who would do nothing to arm his self, his ship, and hates the idea of retribution being visited on the pirates bases. It costs a lot of money to have all those ships and helicopters out there "mariner." Guess what portion you're paying--assuming you pay taxes to one of the powers providing protection. Probably very little considering that most taxpayers have very little at stake and you have more.

Bottom line--they are carrying your load way more than you are. Now, sir, stop whining, arm your ship, encourage divestiture of any flag that won't protect you--or even bolder refuse to sail under a flag that won't protect you. But that would be standing up, and it's quite clear that really isn't you, is it now?

Let's face it. Nothing is going to be done for at least a decade or two. There isn't the political will in any nation to actually intervene in Somalia, the local Somalis aren't about to stop and the public barely remembers these things at the end of the day.