[bimboeruption]

Maybe I’m very naive, or remembering the Americans of the era of Ronald Reagan, but for the life of me, I can’t understand how something like this could happen:

Crew members said their ordeal had begun with the Somali pirates hauling themselves up from a small boat bobbing on the surface of the Indian Ocean far below.

As the pirates shot in the air, Phillips told his crew to lock themselves in a cabin and surrendered himself to safeguard his men, crew members said.

I think we ought to pulverize and flush them while their boat is approaching. If we miss that opportunity, then at least blast them into chum while they’re ‘hauling themselves up onto our ship, no?

I don't understand it either. Is there a law prohibiting self-defense on the high seas?

[bimboeruption]

I just heard on FOX that the UN prohibits merchant ships from protecting themselves.

[Vermont Lt]

Its not about the high seas. Its about entering ports, and the liability of having armed crewmen.

Many of the countries these ships go to do not allow armed merchant ships. Therefore, they would have to drop off the armed guards miles out, and still be liable to pirate attacks.

AND, you really do not want untrained, armed merchant marines getting all trigger happy on anyone coming near their ship. The insurance companies know that you are less likely to be harmed by pirates if you do not resist, and go the ransom route. It is all in the insurance tables.

I know it sounds really wimpy, but thats the way this thing has evolved. And, believe it or not, injuries to crew members that have been cooperative have been minimal.

I am not saying I wouldn’t want a sidearm if I were these guys, but this is the way its been.

[A Navy Vet]

"I don't understand it either. Is there a law prohibiting self-defense on the high seas?"

Not on the open seas, but yes the International Maritime treaty law has been around for decades once you enter territorial waters. Of course, the cesspool of Somalia doesn't recognize such International treaties.

Plus, each nation/port has it's own weapons restrictions when in their territorial waters and don't allow guns into their ports. Not every nation has a 2nd Amendment.

[Star Traveler]

You said — I don’t understand it either. Is there a law prohibiting self-defense on the high seas?

—

Well, you’ll have to talk to the President of the company about that, since he announced a few days ago that their crews are not allowed to use anything but fire hoses... LOL...