Somali pirates seize American ship, crew; Update: Crew overpowered pirates
posted at 9:28 am on April 8, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
The issue of piracy in the Gulf of Aden hit home for Americans today. A US-flagged ship and 21 Americans on board got taken by Somalia-based pirates. The US Navy confirmed the attack this morning (via Mitch Berg):
The Kenya-based diplomat identified the vessel as the 17,000-ton Maersk Alabama and said all the crew members are American. The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.
The U.S. Navy confirmed that a U.S. flagged ship with 21 members of crew was hijacked early Wednesday off the eastern coast of Somalia.
Spokesman Lt. Nathan Christensen said the attacked happened in the early hours of the morning hours, about 280 miles (450 kilometers) northeast of Eyl, a town in the northern Puntland region of Somalia.
Mitch scornfully refers to this as a “new chance for dialogue”. What would Janet Napolitano call it? A stowaway problem? On-demand course correction?
The Somali pirates have operated in this region for a few years. Thus far, the world has seemed disinclined to put pressure on the pirates of Aden Gulf, despite the headlines they have grabbed lately. The US Navy now has an entree into the fight, and it will be interesting to see how the Obama administration reacts. The US has downlook satellites and a treasure trove of assets with which they can track down the Maersk Alabama and its crew.
Will Obama use that to send the pirates a message about attacking American shipping? Or will this be a “new chance for dialogue”?
Update: Score one for American merchant marines! The Maersk Alabama is back under the crew’s control, as the Boss notes in her updates:
American crewmen have regained control of a hijacked U.S.-flagged cargo ship off the coast of Africa, according to CBS News. …
Late Wednesday morning, military sources told CBS News that the crew has regained control of the vessel by overpowering the pirates, taking one pirate into custody and throwing three overboard.
Hopefully they dropped some chum into the water to signal the sharks. Kick ass, Maersk Alabama!
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: « Previous 1 … 5 6 7 8 Next »
My favorite also.
Johan Klaus on April 9, 2009 at 9:56 AM
“Kooky sailors”, as you put it, are the folks who risk life and limb to supply our troops and who protcct our country.
Johan Klaus on April 9, 2009 at 10:01 AM
Dam, I knew Bainbridge had gottent here last night (our time)….
Nothing new this morning…
My guess, National Command Authority has decided to wait the Pirates out… as they are in a Lifeboat, limited food and water, with no where to go…
This will all come down to how devout of Moslems they are… give them too much time to think and they may suicide… taking the hostage with them…
Now… if’n I was Captain of the Bainbridge… as the Pirates have limited food and water, I’d go UPWIND of em… and perform a little tradition called the flight deck picnic…. barbeque time… Let Lazlo’s hierarchy of needs help me out a bit…
But heck, nowadays that would probably be considered torture…
Romeo13 on April 9, 2009 at 10:20 AM
I don’t agree. What this is, is the first real test of the Obama administration in a confrontation. Albeit a small one. While on the surface it seems like we are less safe lets look at the facts as we know them.
The Pirates seized an Americam vessel on the high seas off the coast of Africa. Does it matter whether or not they knew it was American before they boarded? Of course not. It is American and they are going to get the snot kicked out of them for certain one way or another.
For those who think Obama has to get directly involved in what our Navy will do in response to this is preposterous. The US Navy has contingency plans for this eventuallity and I am certain the Navy reacted to the news appropriately and instantly.
The Destroyer USS Bainbridge is now on Station with the ship. The pirates in the lifeboat holding the captain hostage are looking down the barrel of an American warship of the first order. It sailed for 300 miles away to get there according to reports. US helicopters overflew the pirate vessel prior to the Bainbridge arriving to assess the situation.There is no escape now for these pirates. These pirates have two choices now. Release the Captain and surrender to the USS Bainbridge or die. It is that simple. They will be given the opportunity to release the hostage. The US Navy won’t wait forever.
Of course the Bainbridge is communicating up the military chain of command. That is normal and required when hostilities are imminant unless under attack in which case they will return fire. If the pirates are so stupid as to fire on the Bainbridge it is sayonara pirates. The SECDEF is certainly keeping the President informed he is the CIC and the Whitehouse is truly monitoring as they should. They are doing their job. If Obama did not approve of what the military did here you can bet the USS Bainbridge would still be far from the scene. It is amazing that without any real information some of us here speculate and condemn Obama before the facts are known. We have enough real issues to condemn him for. We don’t need to manufacture them out of nothing. When we act like this without the facts we look as bad as the loons on the left and we will never be taken seriously if we continue to behave like children.
Okay it is time for those “real republicans” to jump in here with the RINO accusation. One thing I’ll say to them is I am a republican who knows what it means to be one. I know how to be one. Unlike some of them.
kanda on April 9, 2009 at 10:28 AM
ahhh…. crap… from Fox…
and apparently FBI hostage negotiators are now involved… ie, military is NOT running the show…
Romeo13 on April 9, 2009 at 10:46 AM
Remember the days when the FBI only working inside the USA and the CIA took care of things outside the USA? Those were the days…..
kanda on April 9, 2009 at 10:49 AM
I had a feeling this would happen, ie the company dealing with it. It is, after all a business operation, not military.
However, the pirates have got to be stopped. And in effect, this is a 200 year old problem. Obama either takes care of it or let’s it slide.
I don’t know if the world is watching our King Weenie but I sure as hell am.
ORconservative on April 9, 2009 at 10:53 AM
OH… no… just struck me…
As some know, I used to do boarding op stuff in the Navy… and taught classes on the legal aspects of what we were doing (didn’t write them, but was the instructor).
Just hit me, as the Bainbridge was NOT on scene for the Piracy, ie, no Hot Pursuit Doctrine.
Because of the latest Supreme Court rulings…. treating armed enemies as Criminals, wherever captured, with full access to US Courts and Civil Rights…
And because they are now OFF the US Flag’d vessel… it could be legaly argued that the US Military CANNOT any longer intervene… that this is now a civilian Law Enformenet jurisdiction…
Which, IMO, is exactly the opinion Eric Holder would give.
Romeo13 on April 9, 2009 at 10:59 AM
The world is watching and hoping that Obama does take care of this worldwide issue. Clearly a UN military action is called for here. As usual the US will probably be left to deal with it on our own while the UN condemns american agression.
Piracy has been going on for a very long while. As long as the ransoms are paid and the world accepts piracy as a normal activity in this part of the world it will continue.
Regarding the Pirates I say, kill them all, let god sort them out.
kanda on April 9, 2009 at 11:01 AM
No, kidding, just shoot the little guys and be done with it.
You swat and kill annoying mosquities. Apply the same principle. It doesn’t really matter who does it.
ORconservative on April 9, 2009 at 11:05 AM
Romeo13 on April 9, 2009 at 10:20 AM
Think you mean “Maslow’s” hierarchy of needs, but yes.
cs89 on April 9, 2009 at 11:05 AM
Wrong. The Pirates have taken an american citizen hostage and the USA has every right to pursue them with the military on the high seas. If they land in any country and that country harbors them in any way the US has the right to attack said country to force the release. It would make that country an outlaw nation internationally. Think Somalia. It would give the us the right to declare war and end piracy for another 200 years.
kanda on April 9, 2009 at 11:07 AM
Reuters: Obama declines to answer multiple questions about the situation.
BardMan on April 9, 2009 at 11:07 AM
Declines to answer? I’m so f…ing surprised.
You know something, every day that man totally infuriates people.
A citizen is being held hostage by barbarians who have been allowed to pirate for god knows how long and our CIC says nothing. NOTHING!
What a colossal ass.
ORconservative on April 9, 2009 at 11:20 AM
Um, sorry, not wrong… its our OWN LAW of which I am speaking.
When dealing with ships in International waters, the legal authority to do things gets really really weird…
And while harboring PIRATES is an act of war by International Definition… harboring a KIDNAPPER often is not, its a Law Enforcment issue.
And as the Military no longer has the Legal grey area we worked in for so many years… ie.. the distinction between military prisoners, and Civil Prisoners ( as decided by the GITMO Supreme Court Decisiion)…. I’m really not sure where that leaves us.
If this was a hostage taken by a Nation State? Sure… military… as this is a hostage taken by a Criminal? Civil Law Enforcment?
We have not had this situation come up in modern times, with Modern whacko Supreme Court decision in the mix…
Romeo13 on April 9, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Thanks for posting that, international law gives us every right (and particularly in international waters) to pursue and apprehend any criminals who took illegal action against the U.S.
Just like drug runners who run out to sea. Maritime law is very specific.
Here is just one incident I Googled:
Thanks for correcting some posts that get carried away with “legal” opinions.
The Maritime Laws in international waters have not been changed.
right2bright on April 9, 2009 at 11:27 AM
Sigh, they had legal authority to board the vessel because it was on fire… and in fact had a legal OBLIGATION to do so.
They also, if they were doing LEO or Law Enforcement Ops, would have been carrying a Coast Guard Detachment… who are considered Law Enforcment Officers.
But please…. feel free to dismiss any question I bring up… I’m sure you have a “source” in the know somewhere…
Romeo13 on April 9, 2009 at 11:33 AM
Please, is this a “you can’t drive in Hawaii with a COLB” legal opinion?
Maritime Law is covered by international treaties…a specialized law.
right2bright on April 9, 2009 at 11:34 AM
You seem to forget these people committed an act of Piracy and took a hostage in an attempt to get away. The act of piracy did not end when they tried to escape. It is contunuing now with a hostage. If the Pirates did not have the hostage they would be dead by now no doubt. They know it as well as the hostage does. Correctly, this comes under the jurisdiction of international and maritime law. To suggest otherwise is a red herring and not applicable to this particular situation. I cannot tell from your writing if you support the pirates, or the US in this circumstance, or if you are simply ignorant of the law.
kanda on April 9, 2009 at 11:37 AM
Kidnapping is a federal offense in the U.S., punishable by death or life imprisonment. This has not changed, and we have every right in the “high seas” to enforce our laws on our boats when flying our flag.
In essence, they attacked the U.S. and kidnapped someone just as if they landed in Chicago and kidnapped someone.
right2bright on April 9, 2009 at 11:38 AM
Bingo…
right2bright on April 9, 2009 at 11:38 AM
You actually stated incorrect “facts” regarding international law and piracy. In addition you attempted to apply US law which in fact is not applicable in the open sea. Which of us is correct is clearly available on the internet. I suggesst you do a little research before you reply.
kanda on April 9, 2009 at 11:41 AM
Best to go to the “source” an expert. International Maritime Law and the Interdiction of Movements of Weapons of Mass Destruction by Sea,Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.
right2bright on April 9, 2009 at 11:44 AM
Thank you. You and I do not always take the same side on every issue but when you are clearly correct I will stand together with you against the ignorant. That is the right thing to do.
kanda on April 9, 2009 at 11:44 AM
Thanks, moving on…
Apparently, and one always learns something, our U.S. boats have as many as 20 crewmen, where many of the other ships of similar size only have maybe 5 or so.
Our crewmen, although not armed, are heavily trained in tactics, unlike other national ships.
So kudos for the company to maintain high standards.
They think the pirates were taken by surprise by the number of crew, and there training. Thinking they just needed to round up 5 or so crewman and the ship is theirs.
right2bright on April 9, 2009 at 11:52 AM
The same FBI that screwed up the Stevens investigation/convictions?
The leader of the pirates will run for office in the US after he gets the convictions tossed out.
Great.
Sapwolf on April 9, 2009 at 11:54 AM
Well you can’t be right all the time…
right2bright on April 9, 2009 at 11:54 AM
ha ha ha…we’ll see about that!
kanda on April 9, 2009 at 11:58 AM
We have a man’ (the captain) life at risk, he volunteered himself for the safety of the crew…right now the highest priority is to get him rescued.
The FBI are the experts in negotiations…I suspect the pirates right now just want to “get out of Dodge”.
How do we get our man released safely, that is the only concern right now.
As someone stated on a news show, it is very frustrating…the pirates have basically a 3rd grade education, so even speaking in their native language is difficult. The translators often have a problem because the communication is so illiterate.
right2bright on April 9, 2009 at 11:59 AM
The pirates are also currently in possession of the Alabama’s lifeboat, dunno if that changes things legally.
PJ Emeritus on April 9, 2009 at 12:01 PM
I don’t know if anyone noticed the symbolic connection between the USS Bainbridge and our war against the barbary pirates. Here is some historical fun facts excerpted from wikipedia. Ironic isnt it?
kanda on April 9, 2009 at 12:02 PM
It takes brave men to sail in ships even today. I am not surprised the captain is showing us all what a brave man does to save his shipmates. I believe he is Merchant Marine The US civilian maritime service. This is typical of American sailors military or civilian.
kanda on April 9, 2009 at 12:09 PM
He’d rather be commenting on anything but this. He obviously didnt answer the 3 am phone call.
becki51758 on April 9, 2009 at 12:13 PM
Only in the sense that as long as they are in a vessel under our flag they are by international maritime law under our jurisdiction…but even if they escape to their “mother ship”, which I suspect is being detained, we still have right to retribution, and certainly pertaining to our captain.
The good part is that they are on a small boat, with limited food and water, we control their “needs”.
I suspect the pirates want out of this and quick. Pray for inclimate weather, if a storm comes they will have to make some decisions fast.
right2bright on April 9, 2009 at 12:16 PM
If this was Bush, a SNL skit would be written today…
right2bright on April 9, 2009 at 12:17 PM
Buttcrack Odumba is waiting for European poll approval to respond.
PJ Emeritus on April 9, 2009 at 12:45 PM
When given the opportunity to respond dear leader could not even muster a simple comment, “Piracy on the seas will not be tolerated.” So simple even a community organizer could do it.
jdkchem on April 9, 2009 at 1:12 PM
Obama does not see this as a challenge but as another opportunity to display weakness.
coldshot on April 9, 2009 at 1:16 PM
Sarah Palin has just released a statement saying that all of the people of the city of Somalia should rise up against piracy. Otherwise the entire country of Africa is at risk.
capitulus on April 9, 2009 at 1:16 PM
You do realize this didn’t really happen, correct?
BardMan on April 9, 2009 at 1:24 PM
Hey stupid, ever hear of the term “African/American”…ever hear of “Israel/American”, or “Jewish/American, ever hear Zimbabwe/American,…get it? I doubt it.
What a dumb fool you are…for decades we have been using African to define a group of people, and a geographical area.
And if she had said that, or if anyone had said that, no big deal because for several decades we have been using that term in the generic sense…but she didn’t.
Which makes you a bigger fool then you already are. Bringing up something that bloggers create as fact…way to go you fool.
right2bright on April 9, 2009 at 1:47 PM
Please don’t interfere with crapulus’ reality.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/13/arts/television/13hoax.html?_r=1
Just so you know, crappy, most of the crap attributed to Pail came from morons like you, she never said it.
PJ Emeritus on April 9, 2009 at 1:51 PM
But it was on Fox, so it must be true
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPsV6ZhL15c
I’d love to hear who she thinks is buried in Grant’s Tomb.
capitulus on April 9, 2009 at 1:51 PM
Reminiscent of Obama’s “punch drunk” inappropriate laughter during the 60 Minutes interview, here’s a Youtube of Hillary speaking on the situation and bizarrely breaking out in inappropriate laughter (and for anyone who thinks she would have been superior to Obama here’s your answer, they’re BOTH nuts):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMDvOfIzGek&feature=player_embedded
KittyLowrey on April 9, 2009 at 1:55 PM
Fox got duped. Carl Cameron got duped. The 24 hour news cycle has opened up the media to hoaxes like this.
Stop pushing your lame liberal meme and think for yourself. Look up Martin Eisenstadt and see what you find. Just because you WANT something to be true doesn’t make it true.
BardMan on April 9, 2009 at 1:56 PM
OT – Obama continues to select pro-abortion candidates as ambassadors to the Vatican – the Vatican keeps rejecting them
Religious_Zealot on April 9, 2009 at 1:57 PM
From the imaginary (or, more likely, hallucianted) to the real:
Chris Matthews Calls Africa a ‘Country’
KittyLowrey on April 9, 2009 at 1:58 PM
It take a certain amount of talent to make this thread about Gov. Palin. Congratulations.
Cindy Munford on April 9, 2009 at 2:03 PM
It was a stupid comment by Capitulus. Did I commit a faux pas by responding to his garbage? I’m just sick of the left pushing their memes without being challenged.
BardMan on April 9, 2009 at 2:05 PM
Cindy Munford on April 9, 2009 at 2:03 PM
Unfortunately, capitulus (Deb) suffers from a extremely severe case of Palin Derangement Syndrome.
kingsjester on April 9, 2009 at 2:06 PM
The remarkable thing is that all things relate to Sarah one way or another. It’s like 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon.
capitulus on April 9, 2009 at 2:07 PM
I assume Pooptech will be along any moment. Very sad.
Cindy Munford on April 9, 2009 at 2:07 PM
Well, we wondered what would happen to all the BDS sufferers after Obama was elected.
Seems that they are addicted to being deranged and simply changed their focus from President Bush to Governor Palin.
Religious_Zealot on April 9, 2009 at 2:12 PM
I understand Obama didn’t want to talk about the pirates. Probably because this shows the greatness of America. While other countries get punked by these pirates, Americans take the ship back over and throw three pieces of trash over the side.
Fantastic.
HornetSting on April 9, 2009 at 2:12 PM
Hey Ed Morrissey, the threat was to can these guys who hi-jack a thread by passing false information.
You and AP are beginning to look like this administration…all talk and no action.
You had already given this poster one chance to shape up, but it only lasted for about 24 hours…and they are back at it.
Time to say bye-bye…
right2bright on April 9, 2009 at 2:12 PM
Pirates….you do mean “high seas entrepreneurs (or opportunists)” don’t you, or you didn’t get the “memo”.
right2bright on April 9, 2009 at 2:14 PM
Ed’s gone to have his taxes done, so unless Allah is on it yet, no one is home. The bores are everywhere.
Cindy Munford on April 9, 2009 at 2:14 PM
‘Doing the jobs Americans won’t do’ on the high seas.
HornetSting on April 9, 2009 at 2:15 PM
But this one has been given a couple of warnings…time to ship this cretin out…she can spend more time eating her Krispy Kremes…
right2bright on April 9, 2009 at 2:16 PM
right2bright on April 9, 2009 at 2:14 PM
The FBI has taken over negotiations. By the time they’re done, the “entrepreneurs” will probably each have a lawyer.
They should have let Military Snipers take them out.
kingsjester on April 9, 2009 at 2:16 PM
Well, almost, Americans that don’t work for the government…
good one.
right2bright on April 9, 2009 at 2:17 PM
Such a whiner. Are you this insufferable in person??
capitulus on April 9, 2009 at 2:18 PM
Indeed.
HornetSting on April 9, 2009 at 2:19 PM
One miss in a rocking sea and the American captain is dead. No, I don’t care about these filthy pirates, I just want that captain home safe.
We can take care of the pirates later…and we will.
right2bright on April 9, 2009 at 2:19 PM
Jesus loves you.
HornetSting on April 9, 2009 at 2:19 PM
Aren’t you breaking a ‘vow’? Be safe at the Tea Party. Them there libruls don’t like your kind.
capitulus on April 9, 2009 at 2:23 PM
capitulus on April 9, 2009 at 2:18 PM
Jesus loves you.
HornetSting on April 9, 2009 at 2:19 PM
Yes, He does. But, you give the rest of us gas.
kingsjester on April 9, 2009 at 2:24 PM
right2bright on April 9, 2009 at 2:19 PM
BardMan on April 9, 2009 at 2:24 PM
God Bless You.
HornetSting on April 9, 2009 at 2:25 PM
Hardly much of a response from someone with “Comment of the Day” honors, but ok. You too. Yabba Dabba Doo.
capitulus on April 9, 2009 at 2:26 PM
The first concern is exactly what is happening now, get the captain to safety…
I have no idea what Obama thinks about the situation, he isn’t speaking about it.
right2bright on April 9, 2009 at 2:33 PM
You were suckered. Just as he is suckering Hornetsting. Crapulus wants to steer talk away from anything that might expose Obambi as the weak fool that he is.
If you must respond to his crap I would suggest ending by ridiculing Obama to provide him with a proper negative re-enforcement.
I’m kinda wondering what concessions for the pirates Obama has authorized … he has to give them something at our expense, since the pirates are negotiating from a position of strength, in their leaky fuel-less launch … besides, those evil American crewmen clearly aggressed against the pirates.
My guess is that Obama will have the pirates flown home with cash and an apology, have the crewmen arrested, and extradited to Somalia to get a fair trial in a sharia court.
Kristopher on April 9, 2009 at 2:33 PM
I have never called anyone a troll or suggested they be banned, now if I could conquer being annoyed life would be great. Shouldn’t say that, life is great anyway.
Cindy Munford on April 9, 2009 at 2:34 PM
I wondered about that but would they be comfortable making the shot when the water moving the lifeboat around?
Cindy Munford on April 9, 2009 at 2:36 PM
I wasn’t ‘suckered’. On a thread last night, we HA decided to ‘ignore’ the trolls by dousing it with scripture, etc.
We took a vow to take back HA from the trolls.
HornetSting on April 9, 2009 at 2:36 PM
Obama hasn’t spoken about the pirates because he is still working on a bailout package for them with his staff.
HornetSting on April 9, 2009 at 2:37 PM
Thanks for the clarification. The effort to take back HA is duly noted. I was not aware of what took place last night.
BardMan on April 9, 2009 at 2:38 PM
Only effective if you always return to topic.
So … exactly what kind of hilarious obamaturism do you predict will be perpetrated at sea instead of effective response?
Kristopher on April 9, 2009 at 2:39 PM
Obama hasn’t spoken about the pirates because he is still working on a bailout package for them with his staff.
HornetSting on April 9, 2009 at 2:37 PM
HornetSting on April 9, 2009 at 2:40 PM
Maybe he can get them census jobs here in the US?
Kristopher on April 9, 2009 at 2:41 PM
You know, we need to understand WHY these pirates are hijacking boats. They are from a poor country, they live in squalor, they are only doing the jobs that other citizens of the continent of Africa WON’T do. We should give them the chance at a path to citizenship, on the sea, so that they can provide for their families and make a life for themselves.
/sarc
HornetSting on April 9, 2009 at 2:42 PM
I think forcing TARP funds on Maersk, and replacing the company officers with folks who will only hire non-violent democrats for crews may prevent a repeat of this unfortunate bitter-clinger violence on the high seas.
Save the Sea-Kittens!
Kristopher on April 9, 2009 at 2:43 PM
I’m sure the corn nuts at acorn are already reaching out to these pirates to help them.
I am really surprised that the maverick and his girlfriend, Lindsey, haven’t come out and condemned the sailors for throwing the three pirates over the side of the boat.
The world is upside down, right now.
HornetSting on April 9, 2009 at 2:44 PM
See, Krisotpher. If you ignore it, or better yet, throw holy water on it, it will leave.
HornetSting on April 9, 2009 at 2:45 PM
HornetSting on April 9, 2009 at 2:44 PM
Sorry, Kiddo, I didn’t know about the plan.
You know I’m aboard.
kingsjester on April 9, 2009 at 2:45 PM
I’m an atheist. You throw the holy water, I’ll throw the ridicule … I don’t think the Obambi crowd handles either well.
Kristopher on April 9, 2009 at 2:46 PM
Which has historical precedent …. Fascists tend to get freaked out by both ridicule and religion.
Kristopher on April 9, 2009 at 2:48 PM
We had an athiest with us last night and he was on board, not with scripture or wishes for God to watch over it, but you can find a suitable line to ignore it. All it wants is for people to respond with a sensible comeback, so it can mock it.
HornetSting on April 9, 2009 at 2:49 PM
O/T but, I am amazed at how many atheists we have here. Whodda thunk it, cats and dogs living together. I respect your choice as long as you respect mine.
:)
HornetSting on April 9, 2009 at 2:51 PM
Ignoring them and as you suggested, making comments only on thread topic is a winning strategy. We don’t need everyone to think the same but it would be nice to have folks that think.
Cindy Munford on April 9, 2009 at 2:52 PM
Facts work, also.
On another thread capitulus tried to make the asinine assertion that Timothy McVeigh was a Christian, a Republican and an NRA member.
S/he ran away after I posted links to statements by McVeigh were he denied all three.
Religious_Zealot on April 9, 2009 at 2:56 PM
Romeo13 on April 9, 2009 at 10:59 AM
I do not know if this has already been addressed but
1. They have a kidnapped American on board the vessel
2. The vessel is a US Flagged Vessel. The Life Boat of the ship.
IMO they should use their electronic jammers to disrupt the satellite phones, and radios. Wait them out and then when they give up, hold a quick trial on the Bainbridge and then Hang them, as long as the trial is not more than five or ten minutes.
Guest1.1 on April 9, 2009 at 2:59 PM
Only to come back. And trust me, when the opportunity presents itself the exact same assertions will be made again. They are inane and care little for facts or sense.
Cindy Munford on April 9, 2009 at 2:59 PM
From what I have heard the lifeboat is out of fuel and they are dead in the water. Which would make you think our guys would be at an advantage but unfortunately they have weapons.
Cindy Munford on April 9, 2009 at 3:01 PM
He was all three.
Bonus: Terry Nichols is an even better Christian. Yep. Born Again!
capitulus on April 9, 2009 at 3:05 PM
Don’t ask Obama what he thinks about this situation….
“Can I just eat my waffle?”
HornetSting on April 9, 2009 at 3:18 PM
If even one of the three pirates was bleeding a little, I understand that was signal enough.
Kralizec on April 9, 2009 at 3:21 PM
You hate Christians, do you?
Johan Klaus on April 9, 2009 at 3:31 PM
Cindy Munford on April 9, 2009 at 3:01 PM
If they are out of fuel that would be to the Navy’s advantage, they cannot leave. The Navy can prevent support from other vessels. They should have enough food and water on the life boat to last for several weeks if they conserve.
Out of all of the times the pirates have attacked ships in the area, this is a new situation for the pirates. If the Navy and the Captain can keep them disoriented and in Radio silence they may be able to end this relatively quick.
Guest1.1 on April 9, 2009 at 3:31 PM
Comment pages: « Previous 1 … 5 6 7 8 Next »