Pirate Attacks Off Somalia's Coast Are on the Rise
A Ukrainian cargo ship loaded with weaponry remains in the hands of Somali hijackers
There has been a "fairly dramatic rise" in the number of pirate attacks off the coast of Somalia—and in the brazenness of attacks, according to a new analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington, D.C., think tank.
The issue has come into sharp focus with last month's hijacking of the Ukrainian freighter the MV Faina, which was carrying tanks, grenade launchers, and antiaircraft guns. The pirates on board, currently surrounded by U.S. warships, are demanding a $20 million ransom for the release of the ship, cargo, and crew.
In a separate incident, 22 Asian sailors were released after being held for more than a month after their South Korean cargo vessel was hijacked. There was no immediate indication about whether any ransom was paid.
But, on average, pirates tend to garner ransoms of $1 million per hijacked vessel, according to Jennifer Cooke, a CSIS analyst who studies piracy.
The question remains, adds Cooke, where the Ukrainian freighter was bound with the arms shipments. While Kenya's government says it is for use by its military, U.S. naval sources believe that it "is likely bound" for the government of southern Sudan, says Cooke.
The semiautonomous government of southern Sudan is preparing for clashes that may come on the heels of what are expected to be tense national elections next year.
Reader Comments
Somalia and High Sea Terrorism
It gauls me that the world is sitting back while Somalian pirates are taking vessals at will with little or no reprecussion. Most of the captured vessels have been off the coast of Somalia. It is resonable then to assume that it wouldn't be that difficult to have a force of Naval vessels patrolling the small area where the terrorists are operating. it could be a shared responsibility with the worlds naval fleets, taking turns, and limiting if not eliminating the relatively easy capture of ships that are otherwise easy targets for these Samali bandits. Nato should also consider sanctions on Somalia for their ignorance in this horrific new wave of terror, allowing these bandits to become rich with every vessel that they board and the personel that are taken hostage. Somalia is a rogue nation that is currently allowing Al Queda to train and operate. If for that reason alone, there should be enough evidence to take to task the government that is doing little to stop piracy and terrorism on the high-seas as well as on their occupied land. The US went into Iraq for what they explained was a training organizition of foreign fighters and were being given free reign inside Iraq. Well the same exact problem now exists in Somalia and the world should not stand by idly while somalia becomes the next Afgahnistan.
Fighting Pirates Today
I've read the comments on these stories and see that our schools and our youth think ending piracy is some sort of video game. No idea of what it costs. No idea of the legal issues. No idea of how to get the job done. For the guy with the Yacht plan and commandos? What makes you think they would come in daylight. To the guy who thought piracy was long ago. Hello? Tripoli was a small war that sucked up most of the U S Navy, 8 ships and cost us one of our biggest. Precesion naval gunfire? On what? The pirates are holding guns on the crew, never saw a cannon shell good enough to take out one guy unless it was a dud.
You could put more into protecting the ships with an armed guards but ship owners don't want to pay the additional costs.
Stop watching tv, following your favorite sports teams and playing video games and put some thought into it. You'd be more productive, peoples lives could be saved and goods needed by the worlds population would at least be able to get to their destinations. A lot of Pirates are in it for survival because their country has no economy. They're thinking take from the Rich they can afford it and give to the poor, our families, cause we got nothing. For the guy who thinks he knows history read some more before you open your mouth again. Our early adventrues in Tripoli didn't end piracy just made them stop picking on our ships. It took a couple of years and used up most of Americas navy to get the job done.
Think about these ideas. First, set up small convoys of ships travelling dangerous waters, Naval escorts if possible. Step two, move the convoys farther offshore to keep small craft from getting at them. Private companies operating commercial UAVs to provide lookout capability and armed security, paid for by shippers and destination nations. Immediate seizure of pirate vessels and all property of operators and owners of said equipment. Speedy trials in a maritime world court and finally, speedy executions and broadcast the executions to entertain those who wish to become pirates themselves.
Pirate Attacks Off Somalia's Coast Are on the Rise
Dear Ms Oyl, it could be a joint venture between ITN and Nigel Burgess who could sell berths to ABC anf FoxNews. It could be made into a documentry to dissuade would-be pirates world wide.
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