Apparently, the crew has retaken the ship from the pirates. Not sure how...weapons stored on board?
Moral: You don't mess with a US flagged ship with "Alabama" in it's name, and all Americans on board. If there were any Southern boys on board, I can assure you; we don't screw around with pirate scum.
It's sad that they are apparently still holding the Captain. I hope he can escape, or be rescued.
I can't believe they went after a US flagged ship. That's begging the US Navy to get involved.
I generally like the idea of arming the ships but it may cause an escalation of the pirates activities and armaments. Might get more innocents killed. Perhaps a small, armed gun boat escort for protection might be the answer.
Originally Posted By: Tempest
I can't believe they went after a US flagged ship. That's begging the US Navy to get involved.
They're not afraid of Americans. It's the *Canadians* that'll be raining down a torrent of strongly worded letters if they ever come after us. And if the letters don't work? Here come the judge:
Originally Posted By: Drew99GT
Originally Posted By: moribundman
I believe the hostages may not care much for your plan.
There wouldn't be any hostages if a couple guys opened up with an M2 and an M60.
Originally Posted By: chevrofreak
Because of retarded International Law they are not allowed to be armed.
Actually, there are armed mercenaries on board some of the ships. This particular shipping company believes that weapons only escalates the situation...
Personally, I'd like to see a SEAL team or equivalent foreign Naval commando unit, launch an ambush...
It should also be noted that hostages are treated very well by the Somali captors until their release via ransom. This is one reason why you have not seen a stronger response internationally, fear that the pirates will get more desperate and blood thirsty...
I believe Vlad (the Impaler) Putin advocated a few months back a joint task force to raid the Somali coast and destroy pirate bases, but he was turned down for fear it would turn into a blood bath...
Originally Posted By: moribundman
PS: I always thought over-the-hill hockey players would make a great mercenary army -- fueled by insatiable rage and beer.
Originally Posted By: uc50ic4more
Originally Posted By: Tempest
I can't believe they went after a US flagged ship. That's begging the US Navy to get involved.
They're not afraid of Americans. It's the *Canadians* that'll be raining down a torrent of strongly worded letters if they ever come after us. And if the letters don't work? Here come the judge:
In portland we have the Navy, Coast Guard, and the Canadian Navy park ships at waterfront park for the Rose Festival. I remember going on them when I was young and I kid you not the canadian boats were like tug boats with a gun on the deck!