Posted on 04/08/2009 3:42:47 PM PDT by Cindy
Note: The following post is a quote:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2226983/posts
Pirates Hijack Second US Vessel
BBC ^ | 11 April 2009 | Staff
Posted on April 11, 2009 8:35:25 AM PDT by BarnacleCenturion
Somali pirates have hijacked a US-owned tugboat in the Gulf of Aden with 16 crew on board, reports say.
Maritime industry sources say the tug, which sails under an Italian flag, was towing two barges at the time of the attack, at 1100 local time (0800 GMT).
The crew are said to be unharmed. The US and Italian governments have not confirmed the hijacking.
Meanwhile pirates holding a US captain hostage have warned that using force to rescue him could result in “disaster”.
The pirates said they hoped to transfer Capt Richard Phillips from a lifeboat to a bigger vessel, as US and other naval ships made their way to the area.
He is being held by four pirates hundreds of kilometres off Somalia.
In other developments:
- Sailors on a Panama-flagged bulk carrier repulsed a pirate attack with water hoses. Nato officials on a nearby Portuguese warship said an unexploded rocket-propelled grenade landed in the commanding officer’s cabin
- On Friday, one Frenchman and two pirates were killed in a rescue operation by French troops on another vessel captured off Somalia. Four others, including a child, were freed from the yacht
(Excerpt) Read more at news.bbc.co.uk ...
ADDING 1 quote from the article as noted in post 39:
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=MjUxZjZhNGE1YmI0NGI3MmNmMzZkMDY0MjdmMWZmZTc=
April 10, 2009 4:00 AM
Pirates Test the ‘Rule of Law’
To be civilized, we must be strong.
By Andrew C. McCarthy
SNIPPET: “There is nothing less civilized than rewarding evil and thus guaranteeing more of it. High-minded as it is commonly made to sound, it is not civilized to appease evil, to treat it with “dignity and respect,” to rationalize its root causes, to equivocate about whether evil really is evil, and, when all else fails, to ignore it — to purge the very mention of its name — in the vain hope that it will just go away. Evil doesn’t do nuance. It finds you, it tests you, and you either fight it or you’re part of the problem.
The men who founded our country and crafted our Constitution understood this.”
“Is Barack tough enough to lead the world? Early signs are mixed”
by Michael Goodwin
Sunday, April 12th 2009, 4:00 AM
SNIPPET: “There isn’t going to be just one international test of Obama’s mettle. There will be a string of them until friend and foe alike gauge where Obama is willing to draw a line and defend it.”
SNIPPET: “Some crises will be the inevitable clash of interests, but most will be a deliberate decision to probe the uncertainty about Obama’s ultimate objectives and stomach for risk. It’s an uncertainty Obama has helped to foster.”
SNIPPET: “I’m not sure Obama himself knows what he will do. His non-answer to the question of whether he believes in American Exceptionalism reveals an unformed mind on the fundamental issue.”
ha! Cabin Boy indeed!
Great pic, Phil.
** “Is Barack tough enough to lead the world? Early signs are mixed” **
Not mixed. The short answer is NO. He cares NOT for
traditional American values.
He’s doing his best to hide who he really is. And lately,
he’s not doing as good a job as he did in the campaign.
His decisions and his indecision are giving us clues.
His first 82 days have really shown me plenty that I DON’T
like. Can’t think of a single thing offhand that I do like.
Gonna be a long four years to get to the end of Cahtah’s
second term here ...
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,514719,00.html
“Ship Captain Rescued From Somali Pirates”
Sunday, April 12, 2009
SNIPPET: “American sea Captain Richard Phillips was safely rescued Sunday from four Somali pirates, who had been holding him for days in a lifeboat off the coast of Africa, a U.S. intelligence official said.
Three of the pirates were killed and one was in custody after what appeared to be a swift firefight off the Somali coast, the official said.
Initial reports indicate Phillips jumped overboard for a second time and the military was able to take advantage of the situation.
Phillips, 53, of Underhill, Vt., was transported to the USS Bainbridge nearby. He is resting comfortably after a checkup, the Navy said.”
For archival purposes:
Blog:
http://mypetjawa.mu.nu/archives/197212.php
April 11, 2009
“Video: Somali Pirates Home Video”
http://www.covertradioshow.com
#
http://covertradioshow.com/podcast.cfm?pid=170
Covert Radio Daily Blast Easter Sunday 4/12
“This is a Special Daily Blast-Rescue off Somalia.”
http://www.makingsenseofjihad.com/2009/04/somalia-then-and-now.html
#
http://osint.internet-haganah.com/archives/001573.html
April 05, 2009
“THE AFRICAN ADVANTAGE”
SNIPPET: “Marisa at Making Sense of Jihad dug something out of her archives.”
SNIPPET: “6 Western interests use Africa’s “maritime routes” to transfer weapons and equipment” and “use these routes to shift oil to the rest of the world. Targeting these routes will be fatal for the Crusaders…””
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=53899
Obama Praises U.S. Military Rescue of Maersk-Alabama Captain
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, April 12, 2009 – President Barack Obama praised the U.S. military’s rescue of the kidnapped captain of the Maersk-Alabama cargo ship on the waters off the coast of Somalia today.
Capt. Richard Phillips, right, master of the cargo ship Maersk-Alabama, who had been captured by pirates, stands alongside U.S. Navy Cmdr. Frank Castellano, commanding officer of USS Bainbridge after being rescued by U.S Naval Forces off the coast of Somalia. Philips was held hostage for four days by the pirates. U.S. Navy photo
(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.
U.S. naval forces freed Capt. Richard Phillips five days after Somali pirates took him hostage.
“I am very pleased that Captain Phillips has been rescued and is safely on board the USS Boxer,” Obama said in a White House statement. “His safety has been our principal concern, and I know this is a welcome relief to his family and his crew.
“I am also very proud of the efforts of the US military and many other departments and agencies who worked tirelessly to secure Captain Phillips’ safe recovery,” he said. “I share the country’s admiration for the bravery of captain Phillips and his selfless concern for his crew. His courage is a model for all Americans.”
Navy Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, comended those involved in the rescue.
“This was an incredible team effort, and I am extremely proud of the tireless efforts of all the men and women who made this rescue possible,” Gortney said in a U.S. Navy release. Gortney said Phillips’ actions, and those of the Maersk-Alabama crew, were heroic.
“They fought back to regain control of their ship, and Captain Phillips selflessly put his life in the hands of these armed criminals in order to protect his crew,” he said.
Following the rescue, Phillips was taken aboard the USS Bainbridge before being flown to the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer, where he contacted his family, received a routine medical evaluation, and is resting comfortably, according to a U.S. Navy statement.
Three pirates were killed during the rescue operation, and U.S. military forces have one pirate in custody, the statement said.
Related Sites:
The White House
U.S. Navy 5th Fleet
Related Articles:
Pentagon Official Mum on Pirate Hostage Details
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=53900
Hostage Captain Was in ‘Imminent Danger’ at Time of Rescue
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, April 12, 2009 – The captain of the Maersk-Alabama cargo ship held hostage by pirates off the coast of Somalia was in “imminent danger” when U.S. military snipers shot and killed his three pirate captors, a U.S. Navy commander said today.
Navy Vice Adm. William E. Gortney, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, provided preliminary details of the rescue mission that freed Capt. Richard Phillips today during a news conference.
Off the Somali coast, U.S. special operations snipers held positions at the rear of the USS Bainbridge, which was towing an 18-foot lifeboat that held Phillips and three pirates some 25-30 meters away.
“The snipers positioned on the fantail of the Bainbridge observed one of the pirates in the pilot house — and two pirates with their head and shoulders exposed — and one of the pirates had the AK47 (assault rifle) leveled at the captain’s back,” Gortney said.
Gortney said the White House had given military operators “very clear guidance and authority” if Phillips’ life was in danger.
“The on-scene commander took it as the captain was in imminent danger and then made that decision (to shoot), and he had the authorities to make that decision, and he had seconds to make that decision,” he said.
On the marksmanship of the snipers Gortney said, “We pay a lot for their training and we got a good return on our investment.”
Naval forces rescued Phillips on a rigid-inflatable boat and transferred him to the USS Bainbridge before being flown to the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer, where he contacted his family, received a routine medical evaluation, and is resting comfortably, ccording to a U.S. Navy statement.
Gortney said Phillips was in good health and suffered no apparent injuries, despite being “tied up inside the lifeboat” for at least part of his five days as a hostage. He noted that a fourth pirate surrendered and is being held in U.S. forces’ custody.
The admiral praised the military servicemembers involved in the rescue.
“I could not be more proud to represent all the men and women in uniform who worked tirelessly to make this rescue possible,” he said.
Biographies:
U.S. Navy Vice Adm. William E. Gortney
Related Sites:
U.S. Naval Forces Central Command
Related Articles:
Obama Praises U.S. Military Rescue of Maersk-Alabama Captain
Pentagon Official Mum on Pirate Hostage Details
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/bloggers/2227746/posts
“Piracy thwarted, captain safe: Lessons learned?”
Radarsite ^ | 4/12/09 | Roger W. Gardner
Posted on April 12, 2009 5:35:36 PM PDT by Roger W. Gardner
#
Note: The following post is a quote:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/bloggers/2227746/posts?page=2#2
Lessons learned? You don’t negotiate with pirates, you kill them at the first available opportunity.
2 posted on April 12, 2009 5:39:49 PM PDT by AlaskaErik (I served and protected my country for 31 years. Democrats spent that time trying to destroy it.)
LOL! ...The gift that keeps on giving! Nice one!
Posted here for archival purposes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhuAURBgvPQ
“aptain Phillips Right After Rescue on Navy Ship {DoD Video}”
(Added April 12, 2009)
ICC-CCS.ORG
http://www.icc-ccs.org
Click on the link above for more piracy-related information.
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.icc-ccs.org/index.php?option=com_fabrik&view=table&tableid=26&calculations=0&Itemid=82
Live Piracy Report
The IMB Live Piracy Report (replacing the Weekly Piracy Report) displays all Piracy and Armed Robbery incidents reported to the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre in the last ten days. Click on the map for more details.
Incident Details: Location Map
11.04.2009: 1104 UTC: Posn 12:24N - 046:19E, Gulf of Aden.
Pirates fired upon and attacked an offshore tug towing two barges. Further report are awaited.
11.04.2009: 0415 UTC: Posn 12:16.0N - 046:23E, Gulf of Aden.
Eight pirates armed with guns in a speed boat (blue colour, plastic hull, 12m length) attacked a bulk carrier underway. Vessel took evasive manoeuvres and contacted coalition warship. A coalition warship acknowledged and came to the location. The pirates approached at a distance of 100m and aborted the attack.
11.04.2009: 1240 UTC: Posn: 00:18.2N - 051:44.3E, About 285 nm east of Mogadishu, Somalia.
Eight pirates armed with guns and RPG in two skiffs, launched by a pirate mother vessel, attacked a container ship underway. Master increased speed to 22.8 knots and the skiffs followed at 23.5 knots. They approach very close and fired upon the ship. Master made evasive manoeuvers and prevented the boarding.
09.04.2009: 0210 UTC: Posn: 06:44.85S - 039:20.06E: Dar es Salaam anchorage, Tanzania.
While the crew kept a vigilant anti piracy watch onboard a container ship, robbers boarded her and succeeded in throwing one life raft into the sea. The crew raised alarm, mustered and reported to the authorities. Vessel did not attempt to recover the life raft due to the large number of robbers.
09.04.2009: 0020 UTC: Posn: 13:08N – 049:13E: Gulf of Aden.
Pirates in a skiff chased and fired upon a bulk carrier underway. The vessel commenced evasive manoeuvres and contacted the coalition naval forces for assistance. A military helicopter arrived and upon sighting the aircraft, the pirates aborted the attempt.
09.04.2009: 1807 LT: Posn: 14:08N – 051:28E, Gulf of Aden.
A general cargo ship underway sighted a suspicious mother vessel which later launched two skiffs. The boats chased the vessel and opened fire with guns and RPG. Master raised alarm, carried out evasive manoeuvers and succeeded in deterring the pirates.
08.04.2009: 0200 LT: Posn: 03:49.5N - 077:10.0W, Buenaventura anchorage, Colombia.
Seven robbers armed with long knives boarded a bulk carrier at anchor during heavy rain. Duty crew saw movements at bosun store and raised alarm. Crew mustered and rushed to the location. The robbers escaped with ship’s properties.
07.04.2009: 1140 UTC: Posn: 02:25N – 051:40E: Off Somalia.
Pirates in skiffs, armed with automatic weapons chased and fired upon a container ship underway. Pirates eventually managed to board and hijacked her.
06.04.2009: 0300 LT:Posn: 01:51S – 055:25E, About 630 nm SE of Mogadishu, Somalia.
Armed pirates chased, boarded and hijacked a fishing trawler underway. Information available indicates that the fishing vessel was then used to try to hijack other fishing vessels in the vicinity. Pirates later directed the vessel towards the Somali coast.
06.04.2009: 0620 UTC: Posn 12:33N - 049:02E, Gulf of Aden.
A bulk carrier was attacked and hijacked by Somali pirates whilst underway. The ship is proceeding towards Somali coast.
06.04.2009: 1900 UTC: Posn: 15:13.47N – 067:15.1E Arabian sea.
A bulk carrier underway, detected on radar speed boats approaching from the stbd bow/port bow at a distance of 12nm. The speed boats increased speed and approached closer with a CPA of 0.01nm, master increased speed, all crew mustered, activated fire hoses, switched on all lights, sent distress signal, made evasive manoeuvres and succeeded in preventing the boarding.
04.04.2009: 0530 UTC: Posn: 02:40S – 048:03E, About 315 nm SE of Mogadishu, Somalia
Pirates attacked and hijacked a container ship underway. The pirates sailed the vessel to an undisclosed location in Somalia.
04.04.2009:0641 UTC: Posn: 09:24.52N - 058:15.42E: Off Somalia.
Six pirates in a speed boat chased a container ship underway. Master contacted the piracy reporting centre who informed the coalition forces. Pirates armed with AK47 opened fire on the vessel causing damages. Master took evasive manoeuvres which prevented the pirate boat from closing in.
02.04.2009: 1300 UTC: Posn: 13:51.1N – 051:14.2E, Gulf of Aden.
Two speed boats, blue and white in colour, with 3 or 4 persons onboard approached a bulk carrier underway at over 20 knots. The speed boats came as close as 0.40 nm. The Master sounded the general alarm and whistle. An Indian warship was informed. Two helicopters from Japan and India responded and the pirates aborted their attempt on sighting the helicopters.
After finally having "given a response" on Friday (as stated by the Obama House spokesman), he upgraded the extent of the permission on Saturday, indicating that use of force was not forthcoming as late as Friday night.
Also the Obama House tried to show continuous Oba-Hussein involvement and making their minimal action into a HUGE matter by repeating and repeating that he gave some form of consent twice.
They tried to show continuous Oba-Hussein involvement and making their minimal action into a HUGE matter by repeating and repeating that he gave some form of consent twice but messed up when they detailed his uprading it, thus unwillling to grant the Navy permission to act right away.
They also downplayed (omitted) that when the Press asked him about it on Wednesday he dodged the question and responded they were there to discuss "HOUSING" not pirates.
He had no clue outside his prepared material. His teleprompters were not set up for this, so he refused to talk about it.
Also does anyone notice how this six person confrontation (five pirates and one American skipper) is being portrayed as if it were a major international military confrontation that required highly skilled and mature military tactics and strategic decision making by Obama!
We have had local neighborhood gang confrontations worse than this, which SWAT groups handled in their stride as a matter of routine course.
Some second-lieutenant, ably and capably, directing the snipers probably made the final decision to shoot! While the Obama House lay awake agonizing whether to shoot fewer than a handful of internationally unpopular pirates?
We have had local neighborhood gang confrontations or hostage situations worse than this, which SWAT groups handled in their stride as a matter of routine course. Without the incredible military leadership of ObaMessiah.
If the pirates retaliate by killing Americans, you can bet that Obama will say, “See??? This is why we should not be using force against these people.”
2nd Lieutenant??
These were SEALS, I think you mean Ensign...
:)
Yes. Sorry. So fed up with the heroism which which Obambi is trying to cloak his own shoulders that I tripped over on that one.
Thanks
If we are going to be afraid of retaliation, we might as well withdraw from the world and become insular - where our ONLY fear will be from our OWN Marxist-Islamist administration and bended knee, submissive bowing Oba-Hussein-Khomeini to others outside the USA but fearless “commander” of his own Million Person Obama Brown Shirts.
This comment is like asking a boxer in the ring not to hit his opponent in case he gets hit back. That's what he's there for. Our fear of retaliation is purely perceived weakness and fanning of a fear in an arena where we are in fact very strong and capable - if allowed to be our true selves. And I do not mean aberrant Obama/ACORN type of true self.
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