At last zero tolerance rules it seems.

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.dailymail....e-crew-arrest-12.html

Why has it taken so long for this type of action against these pirates to be implemented?

[jno]

we've sent a frigate with a helicopter to Africa to blow up a skiff?

While at home we can't afford to keep a police force going.

[jno]

they could nuke south London and wipe out a lot of DVD pirates

[emmie]

jno this may sound amusing but it isn't to many who are being hijacked by these men, held hostage for months sometimes longer. They don't know if there lives will be spared if the ransom is paid, so imagine sitting there as a captive wondering. Time they got tough. They can find the money for all the head honchos in the police force, so why don't they get rid of some of the fat bstards sitting around scratching themselves and put more coppers on the beat. which seems a more effective way to keep in contact with communities than sitting in a police car.

[anotheoldgit]

jno

Perhaps we should then withdraw all overseas aid?

[jno]

ships travelling these waters should pay for military protection. (Perhaps they are doing so, I don't know.) I'm not sure why I should be.

[TheNovice]

//why has it taken so long//

Because it's an EU operation and no doubt included countless meetings, numerous reports to EU member states, a few visits to the Human Right councils, then the Foreign Secretaries get together to report to their Governments, who discuss and feed back. Eventually the decision is made, appealed against, re-appealed before a final statement of intent is made. Then notice is given to the pirates that if they don't behave they'll be treated as very naughty boys (and gilrs if that be the case). Then....action!!!!

[emmie]

the money these pirates are getting isn't peanuts but millions, and the longer this has gone on without direct action from the armed forces, then the longer they have had to hold to ransom not just business vessels like tankers, but ordinary people who are taking time out to travel who get caught out by these pirates. Not much fun i would say.
The money seems to be going to the drugs lords, so not exactly robin Hood and his merry men.

[beso]

If you look more deeply into what started the piracy.

The collapse of the Somali governement led to a complete lack of policing of their territorial waters. These areas were first detroyed by illegal fishing done by fishermen from several European, African and Asian countries. They drag netted the area destroying the ecosystem.

Then masses of toxic waste was dumped there later to wash up onto the coastline during the 2004 tsunami. As a result the coastal lifestyle has been destroyed leaving many to turn to piracy because they had nothing but their boats.

[emmie]

the belief was that if they put armed guards on these vessels it would make the likelihood of ever more hostages, and many more getting killed. A distinct possibility, but they should do it anyway.

[TheNovice]

Sorry beso but it sounds like you're condoning piracy and blaming almost everyone else. Nothing can excuse the behaviour or pirates especially hostage taking and the murdering of these innocent people.

[emmie]

beso i believe that is what has been happening. However this is piracy and is against maritime law. So no one should be sailing along, minding their own business and suddenly be caught up in this situation. If they want to stop it, then time to get serious and give them the means to live without resorting to these criminal acts.

[emmie]

perhaps explains why something needs to be done.

http://www.gmanetwork...ed-of-torture-disease

[quarky]

They used a billion dollar warship, a multimillion pound helicoptor in an operation that must've cost hundreds of thousands if not millions all to set fire to a ramshackle boat put together with old wire and random found wood?
Good to see my taxes going to a good cause.

[ummmm]

Did they buy the billion dollar warship and multimillion pound helicopter just for this purpose?

[TheNovice]

this was an EU operation, not UK. The cost of the warship and helicopter is neither here or there - they are part of an EU force patrolling these dangerous water. I think the people who use these routes will be glad someone is doing something about these ruthless gangs

[quarky]

No, obviously not, but have you any idea of operations costs or the day to day running of a warship, army and airfleet and then add this to an ongoing operation? Probably not.

[quarky]

^My post was for the poster who questioned me.