Hostages Taken off Somalia

[David_Old_Jersey]

Originally Posted by Ocean Girl

I grew up around soldiers, some were jerks, some were nice, but none, let me repeat, none were cowards. Lord I am sorry for my rant, but I am still going to post this. So much crap the average soldier has to put up with, being called a coward shouldn't be one of them.

Erika

In this part of the world we don't place the military (institutions or personnel) on quite the same pedestal as "elsewhere" But nonetheless I don't read any of these posts as suggesting cowardice on the part of any individuals. I would however allege wilful stupidity and short sighted wishful thinking by those within the chain of command from onboard the RN/RFA ship all the way through to the politicos onshore.

I too have a longgggggg rant on the subject (not aimed at anyone here ), but it's late and it would just make me even madder

Now off to Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[Chief Engineer]

Originally Posted by Stillraining

FWIW...Every Coast Guard jumper or Seal or special ops is a Rambo...they have to be.

Do you even know what a Rambo is?

I have worked with several....both professionally and as customers.

These guys aren't psychopathic disturbed indivivuals.

They are calm, deliberate...controlled.

The thing that handicaps any soldier, sailor, airman or Marine is military lawyers who draft rules of engagement.

[Stillraining]

I totally agree...What am I speaking in a foreign language or something tonight..

[Lodesman]

Originally Posted by Therapy

Put a big hole in the mother ship.

Call for help to "rescue" the lot.

The "mother ship" was a container ship that had been hijacked that week - you're proposing they should have sunk a 24,000 tonne container ship, possibly killing the 21 crew members on board in order to save the Chandlers? That's just brilliant

[blueayes]

http://shock.military.com/Shock/videos.do?displayContent=204862&ESRC=airforce.nl

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by Lodesman

The "mother ship" was a container ship that had been hijacked that week - you're proposing they should have sunk a 24,000 tonne container ship, possibly killing the 21 crew members on board in order to save the Chandlers? That's just brilliant

Only speaking for myself.

Yes.

If I am one of the hostages, I say yes. Poke a big hole in it.

I will take my chances with the rescue.

[Lodesman]

Originally Posted by Therapy

If I am one of the hostages, I say yes. Poke a big hole in it.

I will take my chances with the rescue.

Will you take your chances with a big arfing explosion?
There is no such thing a surgical precision with the application of torpedoes or missiles.
I doubt the other hostages are quite as keen to meet their maker, but even if they are who gets to reimburse the ship owners? Or the cargo owners? And what about the massive oil slick? Or the toxic cloud (depending on the cargo)?

A better idea would be to pack a 26 ft sailboat with explosives, sail it over there and when the pirates board, blow it to smithereens. A suicidal sailor is required - are ya interested?

[stevensc]

By Lodesman
A better idea would be to pack a 26 ft sailboat with explosives, sail it over there and when the pirates board, blow it to smithereens. A suicidal sailor is required - are ya interested?

How about instead we take that sailboat loaded with explosives and make it remote controlled like the recon drones controlled from Florida or somewhere sail it into prime pirate area when the pirates get close enough, verified by onboard remote cameras, push a button in Miami and KABOOM. goodby, and good riddance pirates.
Steve

[Martinini]

How about blockade Somalia and check or sink every vessel coming in or out. Sink those that refuse to stop. Or monthly convoys guarded by various Nations navies. Oh, and how about shoot the Bas____s who are 100 miles out to sea with AK's and no fishing gear! And who is getting paid off to let this continue?

[daedaluscan]

This personally makes me spitting mad. First the British governement watch them being taken, then block a ransom deal. Not a proud moment for the British.

'Ransom deal blocked' for Somali hostages Paul and Rachel Chandler | World news | The Observer

[GeoPowers]

Originally Posted by daedaluscan

This personally makes me spitting mad. First the British governement watch them being taken, then block a ransom deal. Not a proud moment for the British.

'Ransom deal blocked' for Somali hostages Paul and Rachel Chandler | World news | The Observer

I can understand why you'd be mad, but IMO 2 wrongs don't make a right. We can't make deals or trades with pirates. It will never end if we do...

[jkleins]

This was a private matter. The money was the family's and had nothing to do with the government. I would certainly hope my family would be allowed to pay for my release should I find myself in a similar situation. I would prefer not to die for a "principle" that is not being followed in any other situation and enforcing it now will probably have no effect on future hostage situations.

Jim

[Jamel]

I cannot believe this! The British Gov should consider getting them out NOW before they are hurt or killed in frustration. After all the dust flying in UK regarding the politicians expenses rorting, they could do with a few goodwill gestures to have them seen in a more compassionate light! And a Merry Christmas to you Gordon Brown!!

When or if they are safely home get proactive for a change and send in the SAS to Somalia to sort the buggers out!!!

[s/v Necessity]

Would be nice if they would prevent the large shipping companies from paying the ransoms. I guess it's easier to take the moral high ground with the couple of cruisers.

[Stillraining]

I was thinking the same thing...whats good for the goose is good for the gander.