This ship was flying the Italian flag. This is just another routine hijacking. The ship just happens to be American-owned. I don’t think there are any Americans on board.
Yes, that's my point.
And, I think if these American ship owners decide they want the U.S. Navy to protect/rescue their ships from pirates, they need to pony up and pay U.S. registration and taxes. JMHO.
American tug owner + no American flag in order to save money + Italian flag + no American sailors in order to save money + foreign sailors + pirates + hijacked tug = American tug owner that needs to take his gripe to the Italian Embassy, 3000 Whitehaven St NW, Washington, DC 20008