The IMO suggests peaceful resistance, locking down the yacht, use of avoidance, fire hoses, etc and reporting of the problem. That is a noble and peaceful approach, for a civilized society. Unfortunately Somalia in general, and the water borne criminal organizations are neither. No one ever gets to choose the weapons of their attacker, only their own. You must meet force with force otherwise you are signing up to be a victim. But merchant vessels do not have the training, nor should they have boats that are a cross between cargo transport and military power. The navies of the world are supposed to protect their shipping. Private security would actually fill that role much better, for most incidents, just as it does on land to protect cargo. It is time to exercise some appropriate force to meet the pirates and protect the crews, boats and cargo being shipped.
I feel baiting and destoying pirate vessels buy use of a gunboat disguised as a merchantship would clear up this mess in a hurry. In the spirit of the german surface raider Atlantis, the tatics would be to lure a pirate mother ship into gun range and when the pirates intent is known blow them out of the water. International waters are considered neutral and therefore not patroled extensively enough to protect the innocent. Take the fight to the enemy the somali pirate scum.
Fix Somalia ashore with a stable government, jobs, and hope for the future.
Normally the safety of the passing vessels is the responsibility of the Somalia government. But here the government is nearly nonixistent. Therefore the UN should go to its assistance as multinational military force.This UN force should keep the laanes of the ships free of the scourge. Unfortunately, as I understand it, US has made UNSC pass a resolution authorizing individual countries to go in hot persuit of the pirates. The haste with which the US is rushing to form the contact groups to coordinate and enhance anti-piracy strikes does not augur well for the region. Isnt US seeking excuse to invade Somalia and hit the Islamists groups there? Another Iraq?Hope not.
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