BAE Systems Develops Non-Lethal Laser to Defend Against Pirate Attacks

[maxi77]

With all the money to be made through ransoms I doubt the hungry foot soldiers need much coercion. Sadly the only way to stop piracy is to make it a very dangerous and unprofitable business to be in.

You don't really believe the foot soldiers get that much of the ransom money, they go out because they have no choice whatever the risks to them may be they are no worse than saying no. As long as the fat cats ashore get their money men will be sent out whart ever the risks to them. It is the fat cats we need to dispose of

 

[Woodlouse]

You don't really believe the foot soldiers get that much of the ransom money, they go out because they have no choice whatever the risks to them may be they are no worse than saying no. As long as the fat cats ashore get their money men will be sent out whart ever the risks to them. It is the fat cats we need to dispose of

They go out because how ever little they get paid, and the amount is not that little, it is still more than they could ever hope to earn in an honest manner ashore in Somalia.

Warlords only have so much control over their minions, and as soon as the minions see that it's not in their best interest to be bullied into piracy then suddenly the warlords life expectancy becomes rather short.

 

[Bajansailor]

It sounds as if some of the defensive measures being employed on board ships transiting the Red Sea are reasonably effective - such as having razor wire around the perimeter of the weather deck. Here is a link to a story on Marinelink about this :
http://www.marinelink.com/news/continues-pirates-defeat336804.aspx

While here are a group who specialise in protecting vessels from pirate attack with on board security guards - at a price - http://www.museprogroup.com/product-portfolio/commercial-shipping-and-offshore-facilities/
I read recently that they charge (I think) about US$ 25k for their guys being on board for 3 days.

 

[Chrissie]

Unfortunately what ever measures are used to defend boats from pirates will soon be in use by the pirates in their attacks. Unfortunately there are too many unscrupulous dealers that will sell the gear to the pirates.
Most online chandleries get the emails from Africa and similar countries wanting them to sell them AIS units, radar and other gear, 10 at a time, the chandleries I worked for refused point blank but I know other companies did supply.

 

[Bosun Higgs]

To be honest as long as there iss a ready supply of hungry footsoldiers who can be coerced into doing the warlords business they will not stop. What is really neaded is to close down the bases they operate from then there will be no need for patrols and protection. Perhaps if the Americans had not made quite so much of a hash of their attempt to deal with the country the first time this may never have happened.

But the piracy is a very American way of life. Where do you think that Apple got their business model from? Or Kraft? Or W Gates?

 

[Captn D]

To be honest as long as there is a ready supply of hungry footsoldiers who can be coerced into doing the warlords business they will not stop. What is really neaded is to close down the bases they operate from then there will be no need for patrols and protection. Perhaps if the Americans had not made quite so much of a hash of their attempt to deal with the country the first time this may never have happened.

Until the warlords and robber barons are dealt with this problem will stay with us and smart weapons will simply cream off the more stupid boat crews

A few weeks ago I was speaking to a couple of Master Mariners who were convinced that the Somali Pirates were being controlled by organised crime syndicates, probably Russian, who funded the activities and pocketed most of the proceeds. If this is the case I can see the solution could be some way away!