Vast Swaths of World's Seas Threatened by Piracy
In 2009, vessels sailing in open waters between India and the East Coast of Africa were advised to travel in convoys. That hasn't been much help, as Somali pirates now travel up to a thousand miles off shore for hostages, boats, and merchandise that can be ransomed.
The extent of the spreading piracy threat was clea in a recent Yachte.com.au (11 March 2011) story:
The U.S. Coast Guard strongly advises against all operation of and travel by U.S. yachts and sailing craft, or by U.S. citizens on foreign registered yachts and sailing craft, on the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Somali Basin and the western parts of the Indian Ocean.
That's a big chunk of territory. And it's unlikely to end soon (from the same article):
As per 07 March 2011, 20h30 UTC, at least 49 foreign vessels plus two barges are kept in Somali hands against the will of their owners, while at least 784 hostages or captives - including a South-African yachting couple as well as a Danish yacht-family with children - suffer and have not been released.
Even EU NAVFOR [European Union Naval Force Somalia unit], who mostly only counts higher-value - often British insured vessels - admit now that many dozens of vessels were sea-jacked, despite their multi-million Euro efforts to protect shipping.
Having come under pressure, EU NAVFOR's operation ATALANTA felt compelled to publish its updated piracy facts for those vessels, which EU NAVFOR admits had not been protected from pirates and were abducted.
EU NAVFOR also admitted in February 2011, for the first time, that actually a larger number of vessels and crews are being held hostage, than those listed on their file.
EU NAVFOR admitted in 2008 that piracy off Somalia had started in earnest and it has now completely escalated. Only knowledgeable analysts recognised the link.
Participants in yacht races and rallies in these high risk areas are at great risk of attack. These events are often publicised and could draw attention from pirates, despite the security and safety measures that might be put in place. The U.S. Coast Guard strongly advises mariners not to participate in events that will require transit through high risk waters.
The extent of the spreading piracy threat was clea in a recent Yachte.com.au (11 March 2011) story:
The U.S. Coast Guard strongly advises against all operation of and travel by U.S. yachts and sailing craft, or by U.S. citizens on foreign registered yachts and sailing craft, on the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Somali Basin and the western parts of the Indian Ocean.
That's a big chunk of territory. And it's unlikely to end soon (from the same article):
As per 07 March 2011, 20h30 UTC, at least 49 foreign vessels plus two barges are kept in Somali hands against the will of their owners, while at least 784 hostages or captives - including a South-African yachting couple as well as a Danish yacht-family with children - suffer and have not been released.
Even EU NAVFOR [European Union Naval Force Somalia unit], who mostly only counts higher-value - often British insured vessels - admit now that many dozens of vessels were sea-jacked, despite their multi-million Euro efforts to protect shipping.
Having come under pressure, EU NAVFOR's operation ATALANTA felt compelled to publish its updated piracy facts for those vessels, which EU NAVFOR admits had not been protected from pirates and were abducted.
EU NAVFOR also admitted in February 2011, for the first time, that actually a larger number of vessels and crews are being held hostage, than those listed on their file.
EU NAVFOR admitted in 2008 that piracy off Somalia had started in earnest and it has now completely escalated. Only knowledgeable analysts recognised the link.
Participants in yacht races and rallies in these high risk areas are at great risk of attack. These events are often publicised and could draw attention from pirates, despite the security and safety measures that might be put in place. The U.S. Coast Guard strongly advises mariners not to participate in events that will require transit through high risk waters.
Posted by SRStaley at 3/12/2011 2:41 PM 
Categories: modern pirating
Tags: modern pirating somali pirates
Categories: modern pirating
Tags: modern pirating somali pirates
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