These were my Google News Alert Sea Piracy headlines for December 30, 2010.
|
Somali Pirates Attack Kuwaiti Oil Tanker |
| Infamous Chinese pirates launch Ubuntu that looks just like Windows XP |
| PIRATES NAB SHIP |
| UK Flagged MV St. James Park Pirated in Gulf of Aden |
| World in Brief, Dec. 29, 2009 |
| India and Japan: Strategic convergence |
| Shipping cargo to US, Europe to become costlier from January
Although there have been fewer human casualties in 2009, there has been an increase of incidents. |
| Alarming, costly, dangerous, and despicable; these words describe my sentiments about this international piracy problem. Is there a silver lining? Will it be our oceans that unite continents toward economic, and even personal survival? Let us all become part of the solution.While we ponder our existence, I take this opportunity to wish every creature on this planet a safe, healthy, prosperous and enlightening 2010. |
Filed under: Serving Our Seas | safety on our seas, sea piracy, Somali pirates, SOS|No Comments
As reported in The Times.com, a British couple taken hostage on their yacht a couple of months ago are praying for the British government to have them released by Christmas time.
The Times.com explained: “Somali pirates do not normally harm their hostages but this case appears to be more complicated. In commercial piracy, the gangs deal with insurance firms or shipping companies which would eventually pay a ransom.
However, the Chandlers, who are both retired, had sold their house in Britain to go sailing and have no money.”
The situation appears dismal; the Chandlers do not have wealthy insurance companies to pay millions in ransom. It also appears that the British government is not willing to compromise with pirates.
As cold-hearted as it might seem, perhaps the only solution is to make it illegal for insurance companies to spend clients’ premiums on huge ransoms to thugs.
It’s a bold act on the part of the British government. I just pray that the Chandlers are not sacrificed in the process.
www.PieretteSimpson.com
Filed under: Serving Our Seas, Survivor Stories | hijacked yacht, Somali pirates, the Chandlers|No Comments