Good News Regarding Somali Piracy

[rebel heart]

Not exactly time to celebrate, but it's a lot better than it could be.

Somali pirates hijacked 46 ships in 2009 and 47 in 2010, the European Union Naval Force reported. In 2011, pirates launched a record number of attacks -- 176 -- but they commandeered only 25 ships, an indication that new onboard defenses were working.

This year, pirates have hijacked just five ships -- the last on May 10, when MV Smyrna and its crew of 26 were taken. They are still being held.

“We have witnessed a significant drop in attacks in recent months. The stats speak for themselves,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jacqueline Sherriff, a spokeswoman for the European Union Naval Force.

The Log Newspaper | California Boating & Fishing News - Is-the-Party-Over-for-Somali-Pirates-

[minaret]

That looks like a pirated sailboat converted to a pirate raiding vessel! You'd think they wouldn't be able to catch many vessels with that. Maybe a "false flag" operation with fake distress call? Interesting pic...
If you look closely you can see the Marine covering them with his pistol, lots of hands in the air!

[rebel heart]

Well I don't see a backstay, so it's definitely a Hunter.

[engele]

Originally Posted by rebel heart

Well I don't see a backstay, so it's definitely a Hunter.

Guns and Hunters in he same thread, what's their anchor?

[Navicula]

Originally Posted by rebel heart

Well I don't see a backstay, so it's definitely a Hunter.

I like that.......very quick

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by rebel heart

Well I don't see a backstay, so it's definitely a Hunter.

no, half a cat!

[minaret]

Nice lee cloths/bimini setup. Maybe we should try it out? LOL..

[Travelnik]

The 'Save The Whale' organizations need to hire the Somali pirates to attack the Japanese whaling ships.

Pirate unemployment and illegal whaling problems both solved!

Where do I collect my Nobel Prize?

[minaret]

Originally Posted by dsmastern

The 'Save The Whale' organizations need to hire the Somali pirates to attack the Japanese whaling ships.

Pirate unemployment and illegal whaling problems both solved!

Where do I collect my Nobel Prize?

Problem would be solved if they fell for that, as none of them would make it back from the southern ocean alive, if that vessel is any indicator! I doubt they'd have any effect on the whaling, unfortunately. The Japanese don't have much of a sense of humor about that, and they've been itching to shoot at something for a long time...

[Andrew Troup]

The whalers could ransom themselves with whale meat. Nobody back home seems to have much enthusiasm for it, and it might go down a treat in Somalia.

BTW thanks to the OP for the update