Pirates of the Caribb.. err Somali

The impression of pirates as one would have it after watching Captan Jack Sparrow of  Pirates of the Caribbean series (long hair, stylish, designer clothes, lots of beads) or for that matter Captain Hook of Hook would be awe-inspiring or charming nonetheless. They would travel in groups, drink merrily, sing, make funny remarks or if time permits even hijack a ship! However, the modern day pirate couldn’t have been more different than these glamourized pirates.

The Glamourized Pirate

The Somali Pirate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               This pirate wouldn’t capture you and try to ravish you.. Nope my dear friend. Infact you would be lucky to survive your capture. These pirates go in powerful speedboats armed with heavy weapons like rocket propelled grenades and AK-47s. Once they seize the ship, about 50 pirates stay onboard the vessel and there are another 50 who wait on the shore to check if anything goes wrong. They use sophisticated technology like like satellite phones and GPS. They operate mostly in Indian Oceans and more prominently Gulf of Aden. Their targeted area encompasses such a vast portion of the Oceans, that it has become increasingly difficult to monitor them. 

Obviously, money is the only motive for such hijacking of ships. Check this out, according to officials, the pirates have earned around $150 million in ransom payments last year.  It has infact become a fashionable career for the youths of war-torn country Somali where most of the people rely on foreign aid for food. No wonder, there has been a spur in hijacking events recently.

Any ship can fall prey to these pirates. They dont even think twice before hijacking ships carrying aid to feed their compatriots. “MV Sirius Star” remains the largest vessel captured by them and remains in their capture as of this date. The ship whose worth is approximately $150 million carries oil of worth $100 million.

Its not just about money though where the threat lies. As in the case of Sirius Star, its just a matter of hole which can lead to huge spillage in the waters. Also, it has affected to some extent in the rise of crude oil prices.

Again, the solution can not be achieved instantly (as with most of the problems in this world!). Hijacking has taken the shape of a culture in places where it originates. Not only efforts should be taken to eradicate poverty, increase education but also stringent laws should be brought to tackle this problem. After all, some things look good on screen only!!!