Beez Neez now Chy Whella

Pirates

Big Bear and Pepe Millard

Sun 26 Apr 2009 23:09

Are Pirates still really a danger?

We have had a question in about piracy and is it a real danger anymore - short answer - Yes.

Piracy has always gone hand in hand with maritime commerce. A ship loaded with merchandise is slow and defenceless, an easy prey. It does seem that piracy came close to disappearing from the seas in the middle of the 19th century, thanks to the diligence of the western naval forces. People had even begun to forget that piracy was a crime, often vicious and deadly. It was great when The Pirates of the Caribbean films were released and we all loved Captain Jack Sparrow with his scull and crossbones flag, dashing hero even?

Piracy has not disappeared: attacks on merchant ships came to our attention in the 1970's and has continued to rise. There may be a few rare pirates running up an anchor chain with a knife clenched between his teeth, but most attacks are by violent armed bands equipped with high-tech weapons.

There are hundreds of attacks each year. In 2002 there were 294 attacks, 6 dead, 50 wounded. About 40 men were thrown overboard were saved but 38 were reported lost at sea. Most of these attacks were carried out on ships in ports or at anchor but 18% took place on the high seas. Eleven ships were hijacked and seven others disappeared completely. Most of the attacks happened in the Far East (67%), particularly in Indonesian waters, but the Caribbean and the coasts off Africa and South America are also affected.

Acts of piracy in 2007

In 2008 there was a worldwide total of 293 incidents of piracy against ships, which is up more than 11% from 2007 when there were 263 incidents reported. In 2008, 49 vessels were hijacked, 889 crew taken hostage and a further 46 vessels reported being fired upon. A total of 32 crew members were injured, 11 killed and 21 missing – presumed dead. Guns were used in 139 incidents, up from 72 in 2007.

Gulf of Aden Hot Spot
The increase is attributed to the number of attacks in the Gulf of Aden with 111 incidents reported on the east coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden. The rise peaked in September with 19 attacks. In October and November there were 15 and 16 vessels attacked respectively. This is an increase of nearly 200% from 2007. In addition, 2008 saw the largest tanker ever being hijacked by Somali pirates, and successful attacks being carried out at greater distances from land than in previous years. All types of vessels with varying freeboards and speeds were targeted. The pirates boarding the vessels were also better armed than in previous years and prepared to assault and injure the crew. “We are encouraged by recent efforts to tackle Somali piracy and hope that more governments will continue to devote more assets to the region. International navies are the only ones capable of effective response against piracy in the region and can help to secure the safety and security of this major maritime trade route,” said Captain Pottengal Mukundan, Director of the ICC International Maritime Bureau.

Nigeria Not Far Behind
Nigeria ranked second in the report with 40 reported incidents including 27 vessels boarded, five hijackings and 39 crew members kidnapped. The PRC is also aware of approximately 100 further unconfirmed incidents that have occurred in Nigeria. Under-reporting from vessels involved in incidents in the Nigerian waters remains a great concern.

Piracy Decline in Other Regions
On the positive side, there have been declines in other regions. “Indonesia should be applauded for its sustained efforts in curbing piracy and armed robbery in its waters,” said Captain Mukundan. “Compared to 2003 when 121 attacks were reported, there has been a continued year-on-year decline with 28 incidents reported in 2008, the majority of which were opportunistic, low-level attacks.” The Malacca Straits has also seen a reduction in the number of incidents reported, only two in 2008 compared to seven in 2007. This welcome reduction has been the result of increased vigilance and patrolling by the littoral states and the continued precautionary measures on board ships. Bangladesh (Chittagong) and Tanzania (Dar es Salaam) have shown a few similarities in the method of attacks with vessels at anchor and those approaching the anchorage targeted. Robbers in Chittagong mainly steal ship stores while in Dar es Salaam, the cargo is the target. Of the 14 vessels attacked in Dar es Salaam, 12 were container ships. Bangladesh has shown a slight increase in the number of attacks (12) compared to last year (10). It has taken the Bangladeshi authorities considerable effort to bring the number of incidents down and this pressure on the robbers should be sustained. Shipmasters are advised to maintain strict anti-piracy watches especially while approaching these anchorage and while anchored.

The modern day pirates

Have we been threatened or felt threatened? No.

A ship en route to Angola radioed Beez. Our policy is to say we have "a full crew" when asked "how many on board". Bear did put a cap on a stick and 'walk it up and down' under the shed - next to his head.

We have A.I.S. and it throws the person on the other end when you say "Hello so-and-so". From our A.I.S. we can see the ships course and speed.

In strange or dodgy waters we can put the radar on and can track vessels, keeping an eye out for sudden changes in direction i.e. coming toward us for no good reason.

Do we know anyone who has been attacked? No. We have heard people in marinas talking about a friend of a friend who has been boarded, bit of fisticuffs, no damage done.

Do we carry weapons? No. There is always someone 'with a bigger one than us'.

We have no intention of straying near places like Somalia or any of the current hotspots.

We have heard a serious claim to get past Venezuela as soon as possible, in the company of like minded yachties, no lights on and no radio calling. Need to talk to others and take a straw poll.

On balance we lived in Plymouth where a death occurred at least once a week. We would much prefer to sail the seas than walk down Union Street in the middle of a Saturday night.

ALL IN ALL piracy happens and it is a serious threat - it IS a known risk, but, so is driving up the M5 or around the M25.