Posted on 02/23/2011 8:10:07 PM PST by marktwain
Four Americans, including a Seattle couple, aboard a private yacht hijacked by Somali pirates are dead this morning, and readers reacting to the CBS story on-line are wondering why any of the pirates were taken alive. Likewise, after the Seattle Times caught up with the story at about 7:25 a.m., it didn’t take long for readers to suggest that the pirates be taught a lesson.
The incident is hardly a first in that part of the world. Somali pirates have been emboldened by the willingness of some victims to pay outrageous ransoms. Reports indicate that negotiations were underway between the pirates and a U.S. warship nearby.
Today’s dead are identified as Seattleites Bob Riggle and Phyllis Macay, along with Californians Scott and Jean Adam, who owned the Quest, whose home port may be Marina del Rey, where the Adams lived.
Then we should bring the Navy in and blast those Somalian (sic) MF's back into the stone age (or farther back into it). If a Somolian (sic) ship is at sea and is not fishing, blow them up and ask questions later.—Seattle Times reader
Early in the Obama administration, Navy SEAL marksmen took out some pirates holding a merchant captain hostage, but one can now conclude that message was insufficient to convince pirates that attacking boats or ships on the high seas, sailing under the American flag, is a bad idea. It will be up to the administration to take appropriate action. Examiner readers are encouraged to comment below, explaining what you think would be appropriate.
Meanwhile, what can private vessels do to discourage pirates or defend against them?
This column checked on line and it appears that it is legal – with some red tape, naturally – to carry arms aboard.
(Excerpt) Read more at examiner.com ...
If you’re carrying Bibles into the the Islimed portion of the world, guns might be a good idea.
I wouldn’t ASK for permission....sheesh....of course, at different ports of call having a “gun” is probably a crime....so, I would not go THERE! (Or I’d have the piece hidden on my body)
Until recently, yachties have been convoying up to run the Red Sea, with the US and other navies monitoring their progress.
I read that this yacht was told no such convoy or protection would be afforded, they were on their own.
I wonder if that was an Obama move?
I have a niece whose husband is in India on a christian mission. I told my sister I didn’t think that was a good idea since he is married and has two children. She just shook her head. Did I mention my sister is a liberal?
I get Google alerts for all of Dave Workman’s articles.
Well founded, informative, and always well written.
I think that the legal problems arise only when folks sail into territories or waters subject to the laws of other sovereign nations. There probably aren't any legal problems in international waters.
How naive of them to sail into pirate infested waters without a boatload of firearms. What did these people think, that Jesus would save them? Unbelievable!
No, defenseless is the way to go.
Say WA? Evergreen State ping Meanwhile, what can private vessels do to discourage pirates or defend against them?
Maybe pass out bibles in a different part of the world.
That way taxpayers don’t have to pay for warships to rescue you and most importantly you won’t die.
India does not tolerate pirates. There is 1/10th violent crime in India per capita compared to United States. So he is actually safer there than in Chicago, LA or NY or Miami, by far.
Something with a bit more reach might be helpful to keep the pirates at a safe distance and off the boat to begin with.
We went over this in detail Monday, ahead of the curve.
Jesus has saved me.
We are protecting against Pirates after all. Also carrying a cutlass in ones belt wouldn't hurt either.
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