'Quest' Crew Killed

[scook1]

Sorry to hear about this. Our prayers are with their families.
Spencer

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Rolf the Rotten

Yes, that is my supposition based on what I've read. They were there, and did nothing to prevent this...
... To be clear, if I'm the hostage then please come storming in with all guns blazing and I'll take my chances.

Which may have actually happened, in this case.

[RickD]

Fox news just reported that the pirates opened fire on a naval vessel using a rocket propelled grenade.

There were already two dead pirates aboard the vessel, in addition to the cruisers when the Navy boarded. The pirates were fighting amongst themselves... or perhaps the cruisers fought back. No way to know yet.

[PamlicoTraveler]

Originally Posted by Rolf the Rotten

They were there, and did nothing to prevent this. I'm very disappointed in the apparent lack of action.

ROFL at Rolf...Don't know if you are serious, or trolling, but it sure seems like an unfair armchair criticism. They shadowed the vessel and sent in troops when the shooting started, at great danger I suspect.

They captured 15 Pirates.

From VOA

The U.S. Central Command released a statement Tuesday saying U.S. forces heard gunfire aboard the SV Quest while trying to negotiate the hostages' release.

It says a reaction force boarded the hijacked vessel to discover all four hostages had been shot by the pirates. Despite immediate medical care, the four Americans died of their wounds.

[aquarian]

Personally, I am VERY PROUD of the US Navy and its actions.

And I am pleased that the vast majority of posts here are not bashing those that risk their lives for ours. Thanks Guys!

[zeta]

My deepest sympathy goes out to the family and friends of the slain.

That being said, to insinuate that the US Navy is any way at fault is utter BS! Next thing that will pop up is Obama is at fault. The terrorists that killed the crew are at fault no matter what anyone did or did not do, to think otherwise is insane. IMHO in the confines of a small cabin the slaying of 4 people can not be prevented if perpetrators are determined to kill them.

[sneuman]

worth noting that this couple were apparently well aware of what they were doing and knowingly took the risk. They were on a mission in known pirate-infested waters hoping to convert Muslims to Christianity.

No less sad, but just saying:

BBC News - US couple on yacht hijacked off Somalia 'knew of risks'

[Southern Star]

I also think that the wisdom of this approach was proven earlier in the pirating of the Maersk Alabama: the navy did not immediately open fire on the pirates but rather, they monitored the situation until the appropriate moment and then managed to save the captain, kill some of the pirates and then bring the rest to justice.

In order to be consistent, I assume that those who propose an immediate attack also believe that there is no need for hostage negotiators in cases of domestic hostage-taking. Forget about the history of success in hostage negotiations, forget about the lives and safety of the hostages, just go in with 'barrels blazing'.

While I can understand the appeal of this approach on a reactionary level, I for one hope that if I am ever taken hostage (in a bank hold-up or while at sea) reason prevails.

Brad

[nigel1]

This is awful news, condolences to the families and friends. Lets just hope that those responsible are brought to justice.

On a positive front, I hear that commercial ship operators are looking at providing armed private escort vessels, which will be under the control of naval forces, this should free up the warships to go chase pirates

[svtadpole]

Tragic news ... condolences to relatives ...

I am bemused by the criticism of the security forces involved ( US Navy this time ) ... anyone who sails a boat instead of an armchair knows how much we depend on them ... wherever we sail ...

The 4 dead sailors do however leave valuable lessons for any cruiser contemplating a suez transit ...
1. Avoid the area & consider the Cape Town route ...
2. If you are taken hostage you will either be held hostage like the Chandlers or you die in a shootout like these 4 unfortunates ...
3. In some parts of the world, distributing bibles is just asking for trouble ...
4. If absolutely determined to make a Suez transit, consider if it is wise to post your planned route & itinerary online ...

[97fxdwg]

R.I.P. This sucks. This world is not getting any better.

[Cadence10m]

Originally Posted by sneuman

well aware of what they were doing ... They were on a mission ... hoping to convert Muslims to Christianity.

sneuman,

I agree with the first part of your note. They clearly did know what they were doing having cruised since 2004 and were apparently aware of the risks associated with that part of the world.

But their website says that they were giving Bibles to people who wanted them (see link).
http://svquest.com/BibleMission.htm

I read a bunch of their website yesterday and they focussed on providing Bibles to under-resourced Christian groups, not to forcing their view of the world upon people who didn't want it. Their site seems to be down today, no doubt due to too much traffic, but you should be able to read it in Google's cached version if you're interested.

There certainly is a possibility that the pirates found the cases of Bibles onboard and their actions may be in part because they jumped to the same conclusion as you. But that conclusion would seem to be wrong.

It is also possible that their execution was the pirates following through on the vow kill Americans after the successful conclusion of the Maersk Alabama incident (see link).
Pirates vow to kill U.S., French sailors - CNN

Craig
SV Journey

[svBeBe]

Originally Posted by sneuman

worth noting that this couple were apparently well aware of what they were doing and knowingly took the risk. They were on a mission in known pirate-infested waters hoping to convert Muslims to Christianity.

No less sad, but just saying:

BBC News - US couple on yacht hijacked off Somalia 'knew of risks'

You are so very wrong! The Adams gave Bibles to people who asked for them --many schools. They never said a word about wanting to distribute Bibles to Muslims or trying to convert Muslims to Christianity. You are way off base.

Judy
S/V BeBe

[rebel heart]

Originally Posted by 97fxdwg

R.I.P. This sucks. This world is not getting any better.

Piracy has existed for a long time. We just had a big lull for a while and got it our heads that you could go on any waterway with no risks. The US fought two wars to stop pirates. Those pirates would actually put to sea and travel all around even sacking ports.

Not trying to make light of the situation by any means but just rather highlight that piracy isn't a new phenomena except in our lifetimes.

[jerrymc]

Just listened to a radio broadcast, quoting a Navy spokesman. He recounted that personnel were approx 600 yards from s/v Quest & in contact with the pirates (negotiations underway), when "for no apparent reason" an RPG was launched towards the Navy ship.

Immediately thereafter, the spokesman said that gunfire broke out on the Quest, followed by several individuals (pirates) assembling on deck with their arms in the air. Navy personnel then boarded Quest, discovered 2 dead pirates and the 4 wounded crew members.

Sounds like either the hostages put up a fight or that perhaps the pirates had a falling out, which led to the unfortunate outcome. The report said that 2 more pirates were killed in the process of "clearing" Quest.