Good news for Privateering in the 21st C

Boreades

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A ‘Private Navy’ Is Close To Kick-Off

a.k.a. the Convoy Escort Programme

An insurance broker’s plan to create a “private navy” to combat Somali piracy is close to being launched. Shipowners could be asked to back the project as early as late January or February with private military-escort vessels sailing alongside merchant ships by mid-2011. A reputable flag state prepared to register the 18 patrol boats has been lined up (who though?) , shipowner support is being canvassed and preparations made to secure funding for the vessels and crew.

Sean Woollerson of the Jardine Lloyd Thompson (JLT) insurance-broking group says there are still issues to overcome but the key task of securing government and military support to give the project “legitimacy” is almost there.

See ARSSE for more

Has the YBW Pirate Squadron put in the winning bid?

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Searush

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But where's the opportunities? A regular pay day? Yeah, right, that really motivates privateers that does! :rolleyes:

The potential "prizes" are worthless, unmaintained mother ships & useless dories with big engines & a handfull of small arms. Even the Somalis have no ransom value.

No, I don't see any suitable incentives there. Where are the pieces of eight, the dubloons, the slaves & prize ships that made fortunes for the lucky survivors?
 

Searush

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That with a half dozen Harriers would be ideal for the job. Add a pair of long distance radar surveillance Comet based aircraft & the Pirates would be history in 6 months. Pity we just threw them all away to pay the bankers' bills. :mad:
 
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