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Had seen a little of this on the news but if you scan through the story and history of events it is quite amazing. These punks in little boats are taking over huge ships even with a substantial naval presence in the area. Heck they captured a freigher just yesterday.
I don't understand why they don't make these pirates and little boats "disappear" when nobody is looking.
"I don't understand why they don't make these pirates and little boats "disappear" when nobody is looking."
Because it is Somalia's biggest source of revenue; and under international law you can't shoot them until after they commit piracy.
If the naval vessels there opened up on a few with either missles or 5" guns, they might stop.
Better yet, put a half dozen mercs on board every ship with some heavy duty chit. Blow them and their shitty little pangas right outta the ocean. Like Harbor Pilots- pick 'em up before entering the area, drop 'em off once you're out.
Better yet, put a half dozen mercs on board every ship with some heavy duty chit. Blow them and their shitty little pangas right outta the ocean. Like Harbor Pilots- pick 'em up before entering the area, drop 'em off once you're out.
Watched a show on History about piracy. Seems some shipping companies are doing that. I'd think for the insurance companies it would be cheaper.
__________________ -Jason D.-
Pearland, TX....Freeport, Galveston
'07 Trophy 2302 WA w/Verado 250, pro package, Green hull "Sugar Mama"
The RPG is much of a weapon against those ships. They are difficult to board at high speed. The target ships are unarmed, they use firehoses to fend the pirates off!
__________________ "a doughnut is only one step above a rent rod"
It all depends on conditions - typically about 1000 yds if it's nice a calm - remember a tanker is a big target and a firehose doesn't have much range!!!
The blackhawk was supposed to be impossible to shoot down from the ground with primitive weapons - the RPG seemed to manage.
Earlier this year I passed by a freighter named Stella Maris near Southport NC. Saw not long ago it got hijacked off the coast of Somalia.
I would think that a couple sharpshooters stationed on a cargo ship could make quick work of these dirtbags.
Hydro - 10/16/2008 2:42 PM Send in a few "decoy" vessels loaded with Navy SEALS and Marines. Love to see the look on their face when they board THAT boat!
[img]../images/emoticons/thumbsup.gif[/img]Shouldn't take but a few encounters before they wouldn't know when, where and what ship had them. Best "bang-for-the-buck". Embed a camera guy too!
__________________ Any Port in a Storm!....currently seeking shelter.
No chance - it is much easier to hit a tanker with an RPG than it is to hit a small fast boat with a rifle!!!
Granted that an RPG is looking at a pretty large target, but if the pirate boat is moving fast they're going up/down/up pretty fast. I'd be amazed if someone could actually hit any target under those conditions. Would speed cut the range down to 500 yards?
OK, so the target gets hit. How much damage will a grenade do? A perfect shot at the waterline would be the worst, but blowing a hole in the side would accomplish what, exactly?
__________________ Rick
Alabama's Gulf Coast
Chaparral 240 Signature (Sold)
Since they usually close their eyes before shooting I dont think accuracy is a major factor. However, this is like the proverbial "barn door" shot. A couple guys shooting in the general direction of a large bulk carrier from a few hundred feet will get in a hit somewhere.
__________________ I'm not a boat expert, I just read THT!
I could see easing out of retirement to ride shotgun on one of those ships. Think about the tools of the trade we'd have access to; unlimited ammo, tracer every third round, 50 cal machine gun in turret. 50Cal sniper rifle. Couple of laser-aimed weapons....it numbs the mind....
__________________ Rick
Alabama's Gulf Coast
Chaparral 240 Signature (Sold)
They're not gonna shoot an RPG at these ships, whats the point? Its not like these guys are shouting at the ships from the water saying "pull over or else".....theyre approaching at night at a speed of roughly 20kts, snaging the rail/fish plate or something on a lower level access point......(hence creating a sea painter to pull thier boat alongside the ship), climbing aboard, looking for the first person they can find to hold hostage, using that person as a bartering tool to get cash out of the Masters Safe..........OR......storming the bridge at night (cathing all of TWO or THREE guys on the midwatch offguard) and taking control of the ship and detouring to the lovely waters of Somolia Coast.
Commercial ships.....crew of maybe 20.....probably 14 Philapino (unlicensed) and about 6 Greek/Ukrainian Officers trying to make a living at sea, not exactly Force Protection Trained kinda fellas.
__________________
2004 Silverado 2500HD
2001 Grady White 265 Express
Somali pirates - this is amazing 
