Has TINMAN started pirate hunt ?

[anne]

Madrid say ransom-demanding pirates seize Spanish vessel with 26 crew near coast of Somalia

Pirates have hijacked a Spanish fishing boat with a crew of 26 off the coast of Somalia, the government says.
The Foreign Ministry said there were no reports of injuries in the seizure Sunday in Somali waters.
Spanish media reports said the pirates are demanding money and fired a grenade launcher at the fishing boat before boarding it, but the ministry would not confirm either of these points.
Spanish National Radio said it had contacted the skipper of the vessel early Monday and he said the crew members are fine and "for now there are no problems."
A Spanish frigate that happened to be in the area is now headed toward the scene of the hijacking, a foreign ministry official said. He spoke on condition of anonymity in line with ministry rules.

[bdahunter]

Piracy is Alive and Well on the High Seas even Today, Anne. The Malacca Strait near Java, the Strait of Oman, the area around Cartagena and Somalian Waters are the main hot spots but by no means a complete list. Cruisers doing circumnavigations in sailing vessels are a prime target as they are slow and generally unarmed. The couple who are living their dream of sailing around the world in their golden years are either ransomed or more often disposed of. The boat is either stripped of valuables and sunk or reregistered and sold under another name.
Modern pirates have become better organized in the last 5 years and are carrying RPG's, heavy calibre guns and small arms in high powered speed boats working singularly or in groups. Groups have attacked cargo carriers and freighters, even an oil tanker.
Mercenaries, including retired Navy Seals have formed security companies that will escort vessels through pirate infested waters for a price and are doing a booming business.
It's a crazy world out there.

Cheers,

BDA

[anne]

Wow I didn't realise it was that bad..........a lucrative business to get into by the sounds of it.

[prizm-pal]

Thanks for the info both Anne and Bda...It must be very scary to sail in these pirate infested waters ...one would have to arm themselves with gernade launcher...or other heavy duty military weapon...just scary thoughts!

[EBCIII]

My son is USN. On his first deployment a "pirate" vessal approached his ship. The USN gave them a nice "stay away" shot over their bow. The pirates did not listen. One of them stood up with a RPG and took aim on a USN Destoryer. The Navy cut him in 1/2. The then captured the small boat and ammo and guns, 2006 Pirates attack, Beale.

History

[bdahunter]

A lot of Cruisers who are living their dream of sailing the islands for their retirement have taken to carrying arms to defend themselves. Usually small arms of the stainless steel variety due to the salt water environment. They're still outgunned by pirates with automatic weapons but at least they can fight back with more than a flare gun, possibly making the pirates change their minds and seek easier prey.
Some of the cruiser holes that self sufficient cruisers frequent have their own policing by and for cruisers. Show up in one of these harbours and start thieving or harrassing and the cruiser police move in quick and sort matters out vigilante style.
Friends cruised the Caribbean for years in their boat (which they built themselves, all 57 feet of her) and they have told me some excellent stories. There are many Vietnam vets, ex-bikers and other no nonsense types who cruise the Caribbean and brook no insult against themselves or other cruisers so it ain't easy being a pirate these days.
The British Islands (BVI's, Cayman, Bermuda, etc.) have tough no gun laws so it makes it tough to ship in and out of these ports if you're packing heat.
Check out the Cruisers magazine Lattitudes & Attitudes for current info, next time you're at Chapters.

Cheers,

BDA

[sandyfeet]

Originally Posted by EBCIII

My son is USN. On his first deployment a "pirate" vessal approached his ship. The USN gave them a nice "stay away" shot over their bow. The pirates did not listen. One of them stood up with a RPG and took aim on a USN Destoryer. The Navy cut him in 1/2. The then captured the small boat and ammo and guns, 2006 Pirates attack, Beale.

History

They were on "the dope"!!!!!! Only idiots would even think of taking on the USN.

Sandyfeet

[drver]

I've heard stories about things like this, didn't know if they were true though. I mean satellite tracking, guided ammunitions, world wide surveillance....come on.

[The TINMAN]

Piracy like Rock & Roll Never Dies ! Will be making an update Tonight or tomarrow on the Dead Mans Chest Hunt. Have some Good News to Share !