'Bout Damn Time!

[smackdaddy]

U.S. ship fends off second pirate attack

(CNN) -- The U.S.-flagged cargo ship Maersk Alabama, which played a central role in a bloody hijacking drama last spring, was attacked again Wednesday.
But this time, the container ship fended off the attack by firing back, the European Union's anti-piracy force said.
Pirates fired automatic weapons at the ship as it sailed about 350 nautical miles east of Somalia, the EU naval force said.
Private security guards aboard the Maersk Alabama ship fired back and used loud sounds to repel the attack, the U.S. Navy said.
No casualties were reported.
In April, the Danish-owned ship was attacked in the Indian Ocean.
The pirates seized the ship's captain, Richard Phillips, and held him hostage on a lifeboat after their failed attempt to hijack his ship.
Five days later, U.S. Navy snipers fatally shot three pirates, rescued Phillips and arrested a fourth pirate.

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I understand the effective "loud sounds" was a blasting playback of Sailingdog singing "Born Free".

[erps]

Private security guards aboard the Maersk Alabama ship fired back and used loud sounds to repel the attack, the U.S. Navy said.
No casualties were reported.

I imagine the Maersk line of ships have had a big target painted on them since the Alabama incident. I'm glad they were prepared this time. It will be interesting to see if the pirates start avoiding the Maersk line now, or whether things escalate.

[smackdaddy]

My money's on escalate.

[wind_magic]

Originally Posted by erps

I'm glad they were prepared this time.

Too bad everyone can't be prepared, but with gun laws being what they are ...

[Boasun]

A Naval blockcade of all of Somilia's ports would help some.
Not letting any vessel of any sort in or out, but for the captured ships that are in port already.
Also close off all ports in the Indian Ocean to any vessels that have Somili crew on board.
Do any of you see where I am going with this??

[captbillc]

it's too bad they didn't have heavier weapons to blow the pirates out of the water

[timebandit]

but--but--they were just poor fisherman trying to make a living.

Now they are going to sue the shipping company for $100,000,000.00 for mental stress.

[Cruisingdad]

I bet before this thread is over it turns into another gun-debate thread!!!!

- CD

[smackdaddy]

You are so jaded CD. Where's the hope?

It's actually more about licensing pirates I think.

[wind_magic]

It is good to see you CD. I hope you are going to tell us all about how things are going in CD family cruising prep!

I'm just waiting for somebody to school me in tides and moon phases. I thought I knew what I was talking about, but now that someone was so surprised about what I said I am second guessing myself ...