[Gideon7]

Why don’t these ships carry weapons if they know they have to pass through this area? Even a few high powered rifles with good scopes could have helped them avoid being hijacked.

The ships' insurance carriers generally dont allow guns onboard for liability reasons.

[ThirdMate]

Depends also on the type of cargo the vessel carries.

I have sailed on tankers loaded with 40,000 barrels of gasoline and jet fuel, and you were not allowed to carry a cell phone or lighter on deck. The wrenches and tools were non-sparking bronze.

Engaging in a gunfight would be mutually assured destruction.

Frgds,
3/M