EagleSpeak: Somali Pirates: Common Sense Needed

Somali Pirates: Common Sense Needed

Once again, the NATO Shipping Center has posted a revised piracy warning here, containing the individuality and locations of probable "mother ships" suspected of being exploited for Somali pirate operations:Updated 16 November.Weather conditions continue to be lucky for pirate operations throughout the Somali Basin and the Gulf of Oman.

Activity over the preceding week has been focused in two primary areas, one in the primary north south shipping lanes at 65E between 11-16N, the former to the SW of Seychelles.It is assessed that at least one pirated dhow is acting as a mother vessel in each area. In addition there is assessed to be at least one whaler-based PAG (whaler is 10-12 m open boat with internal engine - capable of 6-8 knots) operating to the north of the Seychelles IVO the equator.Golden WavePirates continue to have use of already pirated vessels for use as mother ships. The only pirated vessel currently underway and assessed as a terror to shipping is FV GOLDEN WAVE, (image insert) last located at 12.11.2010: 0355 UTC in position 0401S - 04112E: This vessel is believed to be heading further to the south. ALL VESSELS ARE ADVISED TO BE CAUTIOUS.Vigilant watches, early detection of vessels manoeuvring to close, early reporting and the acceptance of the Better Management Practices are the keys for remaining safe.Updated 16 Nov. 10ZulfecarThe pirated vessel MV ZULFECAR remains underway and will probably be used as a mother ship for the introduction of small skiffs (5m), this vessel has previously been victimized by pirates as a mother ship. It is probable that she will work within an triangular area between the Kenyan / Tanzanian coast and north tip of Madagascar. All small boats in the country should be sensed as suspicious.All mariners transiting the region are warned that pirates operate the area, full BMP`s* are recommended in the Indian Ocean within 15S and 78E.

OK, why would it not be slow to place a warship or an armed remotely piloted aircraft to "shadow/escort" the suspected mother ships and give up their pirate activities? You know, start the dog when a "suspicious" vessel leaves a known Somali pirate port. Am I missing something really complex here?

It's not wish there aren't 25 warships bobbing around out there. Get a little proactive. *BMP=Best Management Practices