Somali pirates - Isn't it about time ships were armed?

[jshell]

Tsippy said:

What is the range of a normal speedboat? 180 miles seems a bit far considering they'd have to factor in a return to home. Or are they operating from a 'base ship' in the form of a captured tanker? If so..... it cannot be that hard to find and sink surely?

The couple recently released were taken 600 miles from the Somali coast!! They often go out that far without a 'tender'.

[BoRED S2upid]

andy400 said:

BoRED S2upid said:

Im sure I read somewhere that some are armed not with massive cannons like in the olden days but with private security services.

Friend of mine is essentially a mercenary, currently providing armed security for large bulk carriers. Condition of the ship-owner's insurance.

NICE.

Does he wear a headband like Rambo? What a job! you would have some serious weapons if you were doing that.

[andy400]

BoRED S2upid said:

andy400 said:

BoRED S2upid said:

Im sure I read somewhere that some are armed not with massive cannons like in the olden days but with private security services.

Friend of mine is essentially a mercenary, currently providing armed security for large bulk carriers. Condition of the ship-owner's insurance.

NICE.

Does he wear a headband like Rambo? What a job! you would have some serious weapons if you were doing that.

You'd think so, but due to the company he works for trying to maximise their profit margins, the weaponry is a bit pitiful and they have to work out ingenious ways of supplementing their 'armoury'.

He is also mostly bored and watching lots of DVDs. He does get about US$8000 tax-free per trip (about 10-14 days including travel out and back) though.

Apparently, as he tells it, once he has a bit more experience he can work for better and bigger organisations that pay more and provide superior kit.

I didn't ask about headbands. Rest assured I will, though.

[mcdjl]

Some Gump said:

Methinks it's time to set Russel Crow on them. Not only can he outwit and capture more heavily armed, faster vessels, but he can also play the violin. Failing that, that Kevin Costner is quite the seaman, and can give anyone that smokes the what for.

Nah they just need the right chef...Steven Seagal