Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea - 15 August 2013
The growing piracy threat in the Gulf of Guinea is examined in this typically good gCaptain news story. As much as I liked the story, though, which touches on the history of West African piracy and the corruption and poor government that make the area fertile ground for criminal activity, I couldn't help noticing what had to be a strong motivation for this report: the involvement of U.S. interests.
gCaptain isn't at fault here - it's a very good American maritime site, and is only putting up what it knows will interest its readers - but that speaks to one of the problems in dealing with African piracy: Americans, and Westerners in general, aren't really interested in Africa's problems. When they become the West's problems, that's a different matter! It's only human nature, but that's still distressing.
One can't help feeling that if the West had enough interest in African affairs to help do something positive about African social and economic issues simply because they ought to, some of those issues might never become such horrific problems for the citizens of those countries. The people suffer most - no matter how much Western interests cry when they're poked. A better African social and economic environment would in turn benefit Western countries and businesses who operate in those countries. A better world for everyone. . . don't just take, but give back as well. China might take a page from that book, too, as she roots around Africa for raw materials, often shoving local populations aside in the process.
This is a good article about Gulf of Guinea piracy, but there are many others told from other points of view. If you've read one lately, let us know, and we'll feature it! Mariners Action Group is also interested in any other resources you might be aware of regarding piracy, anywhere in the world. Respond on our Contact page!
gCaptain isn't at fault here - it's a very good American maritime site, and is only putting up what it knows will interest its readers - but that speaks to one of the problems in dealing with African piracy: Americans, and Westerners in general, aren't really interested in Africa's problems. When they become the West's problems, that's a different matter! It's only human nature, but that's still distressing.
One can't help feeling that if the West had enough interest in African affairs to help do something positive about African social and economic issues simply because they ought to, some of those issues might never become such horrific problems for the citizens of those countries. The people suffer most - no matter how much Western interests cry when they're poked. A better African social and economic environment would in turn benefit Western countries and businesses who operate in those countries. A better world for everyone. . . don't just take, but give back as well. China might take a page from that book, too, as she roots around Africa for raw materials, often shoving local populations aside in the process.
This is a good article about Gulf of Guinea piracy, but there are many others told from other points of view. If you've read one lately, let us know, and we'll feature it! Mariners Action Group is also interested in any other resources you might be aware of regarding piracy, anywhere in the world. Respond on our Contact page!
~~~
MV ALBEDO (Non) Update - 19 July 2013
Still no news about the four missing sailors from MV ALBEDO (see Piracy Today Blog post of a few days ago).
This story from gCaptain brings us up to date on the state of non-knowledge, if that makes any sense. I'm sure the stink of oil in the water, evident in the picture, is adding to the misery of the 39 hostages (28 were already held on NAHAM 3; plus to what is said to be 11 surviving hostages from MV ALBEDO) who are now confined all together aboard the fishing vessel.
The gCaptain story also shows EUNAVFOR flyover photos showing no hostages on deck, but several pirates aiming their rifles at the helicopter.
The chances of ransom for either of these crews seems pretty low. The families of the hostages have appealed to the pirates for their unconditional release, but no answer has been forthcoming yet. Please keep praying for these men.
This story from gCaptain brings us up to date on the state of non-knowledge, if that makes any sense. I'm sure the stink of oil in the water, evident in the picture, is adding to the misery of the 39 hostages (28 were already held on NAHAM 3; plus to what is said to be 11 surviving hostages from MV ALBEDO) who are now confined all together aboard the fishing vessel.
The gCaptain story also shows EUNAVFOR flyover photos showing no hostages on deck, but several pirates aiming their rifles at the helicopter.
The chances of ransom for either of these crews seems pretty low. The families of the hostages have appealed to the pirates for their unconditional release, but no answer has been forthcoming yet. Please keep praying for these men.
~~~
Pirate Hostage Survivors Struggle With Resuming Life At Sea
This CNN video, which was featured on the Naftrade site, has interviews with seamen who - having survived piracy - must now go back to work at sea to support their families. Going back into harm's way after such an experience clearly takes courage and an overriding determination to better their children's future, even in the face of proven risk.
Faced with their anguish, it's hard to read glib "analyses" of piracy as a declining phenomenon. Even one such seaman, even one such family subjected to this anguish is unacceptable! As one recent piracy survivor, who is beginning a book about his experiences, has noted: "... the image of piracy in the Indian Ocean has been very different for people who have just read or heard about it from the people who have actually experienced it."*
The voices we should be listening to are the voices in this video and others like them.
Faced with their anguish, it's hard to read glib "analyses" of piracy as a declining phenomenon. Even one such seaman, even one such family subjected to this anguish is unacceptable! As one recent piracy survivor, who is beginning a book about his experiences, has noted: "... the image of piracy in the Indian Ocean has been very different for people who have just read or heard about it from the people who have actually experienced it."*
The voices we should be listening to are the voices in this video and others like them.
*Pralav Dhyani - his "Sea Pirates: A case study of Somali Piracy" is featured here.
~~~
MV LEOPARD Crew Released After Long Negotiation
MV Leopard - click for Maritime Executive story
Six seamen, captive in Somalia for more than two years, have been released - ransomed by their company, Shipcraft. The two Danes and four Filipinos are being examined by doctors and are getting ready to be repatriated back to their homes and families.
”The first evaluations are that our colleagues, considering the circumstances, are ok. However, it is important to us that they receive the best possible medical assistance now, and as soon as they have been thoroughly examined and have received the doctor’s acceptance, they will be brought home to their families”, says Claus Bech, Managing Director of Shipcraft. ”The past more than two years have been extremely traumatic and inhuman for our crew and their families, and we very much look forward to having our colleagues back home”
The Shipcraft news release (scroll down that page for the English version) noted that the seamen were kidnapped by Somali pirates in the Arabian Sea in January 2011. However, the pirates damaged the MV Leopard and left it drifting. The pirates kidnapped the crew and took them ashore, where they were moved to different locations in Somalia. On a few occasions the hostages have been allowed to talk to their families.
Shipcraft is a small company and say they had difficulty raising the ransom; the ransom amount was unspecified. However, it appears that Shipcraft has handled the situation in a way that most seamen would appreciate, hiring legal and piracy experts to help in the negotiations and apparently leaving no stone unturned, in spite of the long period of time the negotiations required. They never gave up, and now the men are safe.
Even small companies who keep their priorities straight - putting human considerations over money - can do the right thing by their employees if they want to. God bless Shipcraft for hanging in there for their men! Until the day when better social order in Somalia eliminates the piracy threat off East Africa, this attitude on the part of shipping companies will do more good for captured seamen than anything else. Shipping companies owe their crews this much.
”The first evaluations are that our colleagues, considering the circumstances, are ok. However, it is important to us that they receive the best possible medical assistance now, and as soon as they have been thoroughly examined and have received the doctor’s acceptance, they will be brought home to their families”, says Claus Bech, Managing Director of Shipcraft. ”The past more than two years have been extremely traumatic and inhuman for our crew and their families, and we very much look forward to having our colleagues back home”
The Shipcraft news release (scroll down that page for the English version) noted that the seamen were kidnapped by Somali pirates in the Arabian Sea in January 2011. However, the pirates damaged the MV Leopard and left it drifting. The pirates kidnapped the crew and took them ashore, where they were moved to different locations in Somalia. On a few occasions the hostages have been allowed to talk to their families.
Shipcraft is a small company and say they had difficulty raising the ransom; the ransom amount was unspecified. However, it appears that Shipcraft has handled the situation in a way that most seamen would appreciate, hiring legal and piracy experts to help in the negotiations and apparently leaving no stone unturned, in spite of the long period of time the negotiations required. They never gave up, and now the men are safe.
Even small companies who keep their priorities straight - putting human considerations over money - can do the right thing by their employees if they want to. God bless Shipcraft for hanging in there for their men! Until the day when better social order in Somalia eliminates the piracy threat off East Africa, this attitude on the part of shipping companies will do more good for captured seamen than anything else. Shipping companies owe their crews this much.
~~~
Iceberg 1 Survivors Unable To Collect Back Pay From Azal
Picture of MV Iceberg 1 crew after release - click for InquirerGlobalNation news item
27Jan2013 - The released hostages of MV Iceberg 1 are all home now, and that's good news - it's what we've been praying for. But don't stop praying yet! Getting home is only part of the battle for these bruised and battered souls. They still have serious medical and psychological problems to sort through, and the kicker is that they have no money to help address these problems.
But - aren't they owed over three years' back pay? Therein lies a tale:
According to these two news stories - one from the Inquirer, a Philippine newspaper; and the other from The National, of UAE - homecoming for most of these sailors has been a distinctly bittersweet affair. They were abandoned for almost three years by Azal Shipping, who not only stopped their pay after their capture, but even before that, had not paid them for many months; they have been ignored by their flag state, Panama; and they're being stiff-armed or ignored by the manning agents who hired them for Azal.
So the 22 survivors may at last be free men, but they still face big problems. As reported in this blog post, they are now getting some help from MPHRP, ITF, and UNPOS among other organizations, along with varying degrees of help from their home countries. I'm sure they appreciate whatever help they are receiving.
But it hasn't been enough in many cases. And, in any event - for their own pride, and for simple justice - they should be able to claim their back pay. They've earned it - many times over! But in this, so far, they've met a cold stone wall.
One sailor, Gerald Gonzales of the Philippines (see Inquirer story above) had this to say when asked about his future plans: “I still want to be a seafarer,” he replied. But next time, he said, he would be more careful in choosing the shipping company to work for.
But - aren't they owed over three years' back pay? Therein lies a tale:
According to these two news stories - one from the Inquirer, a Philippine newspaper; and the other from The National, of UAE - homecoming for most of these sailors has been a distinctly bittersweet affair. They were abandoned for almost three years by Azal Shipping, who not only stopped their pay after their capture, but even before that, had not paid them for many months; they have been ignored by their flag state, Panama; and they're being stiff-armed or ignored by the manning agents who hired them for Azal.
So the 22 survivors may at last be free men, but they still face big problems. As reported in this blog post, they are now getting some help from MPHRP, ITF, and UNPOS among other organizations, along with varying degrees of help from their home countries. I'm sure they appreciate whatever help they are receiving.
But it hasn't been enough in many cases. And, in any event - for their own pride, and for simple justice - they should be able to claim their back pay. They've earned it - many times over! But in this, so far, they've met a cold stone wall.
One sailor, Gerald Gonzales of the Philippines (see Inquirer story above) had this to say when asked about his future plans: “I still want to be a seafarer,” he replied. But next time, he said, he would be more careful in choosing the shipping company to work for.
~~~
Video of "Big Mouth" Retirement News Conference
12Jan2013 - Courtesy of TelegraphTV and via gCaptain, here is a short video of Mohamed Abdi Hassan, AKA "Big Mouth", at his retirement news conference. (For more on Hassan's quitting piracy, see the story immediately below this one.)
What does it say about conditions in today's Somalia that a "retiring" criminal, who has killed people and hijacked ships carrying food to his own countrymen, is accorded a news conference instead of a prison cell? I understand he has also received a diplomatic passport from the government! But perhaps it's part of a necessary transition - as power, until now held by soldiers, chieftains and gangsters, starts to return to civil government again.
What does it say about conditions in today's Somalia that a "retiring" criminal, who has killed people and hijacked ships carrying food to his own countrymen, is accorded a news conference instead of a prison cell? I understand he has also received a diplomatic passport from the government! But perhaps it's part of a necessary transition - as power, until now held by soldiers, chieftains and gangsters, starts to return to civil government again.
In addition, Big Mouth's son, Abdiqadir, who had been holding three Syrian hostages from MV Orna, has surrendered by arrangement with the Adado government (the Orna was released in October, 2012 - but six of the crew were detained in order to get more money for them). The three hostages he brought with him were given up without payment of ransom. Abdiqadir and his pirate companions were given pardons by Mohamed Aden Tiicey, president of the government of Adado region.
We can hope that this represents a current toward a stronger, more orderly society in Somalia that will benefit the Somali people and someday make the seas off East Africa safe to transit again.
However, be that as it may, that result is still a long way off! Somali piracy, with or without Big Mouth, is still going strong; and innocent seamen are still held prisoner under abominable conditions. Anyone who thinks that the drop in pirate attacks, or the retirement of a prominent criminal, makes any immediate difference in all this is dead wrong.
Let us not forget the hostages, or let up on the pressure at sea, until the last prisoner is free and home with his family, and East African piracy has ceased to be a threat to seamen.
We can hope that this represents a current toward a stronger, more orderly society in Somalia that will benefit the Somali people and someday make the seas off East Africa safe to transit again.
However, be that as it may, that result is still a long way off! Somali piracy, with or without Big Mouth, is still going strong; and innocent seamen are still held prisoner under abominable conditions. Anyone who thinks that the drop in pirate attacks, or the retirement of a prominent criminal, makes any immediate difference in all this is dead wrong.
Let us not forget the hostages, or let up on the pressure at sea, until the last prisoner is free and home with his family, and East African piracy has ceased to be a threat to seamen.
~~~
Prominent Pirate 'Big Mouth' Announces Retirement
'Big Mouth' - click for ZEENEWS story
11Jan2013 - These stories from Guardian Nigeria and ZEENEWS inform us that prominent Somali pirate chieftain Mohamed Abdi Hassan, also known as 'Big Mouth" has announced his retirement from the "dirty business" and is urging his fellow pirates to do the same - presumably including his son, who also is engaged in piracy.
Hassan spoke at a ceremony in Adado, saying he has tasted the bitterness and bad consequences of piracy after eight years in the business, and is ready to quit.
Appearing relaxed and prosperous at the ceremony, it looks as though Big Mouth has also tasted the sweet profits and easy pickings of Somali piracy's earlier days. Perhaps today's more difficult environment, with naval patrols, embarked armed teams, and the PMPF disrupting pirate operations ashore, doesn't seem so inviting?
Anyway, this may auger well for the future, though it does nothing for current hostages. If others abandon the business, seamen transiting the seas off East Africa may be able to breath a bit easier.
Hassan spoke at a ceremony in Adado, saying he has tasted the bitterness and bad consequences of piracy after eight years in the business, and is ready to quit.
Appearing relaxed and prosperous at the ceremony, it looks as though Big Mouth has also tasted the sweet profits and easy pickings of Somali piracy's earlier days. Perhaps today's more difficult environment, with naval patrols, embarked armed teams, and the PMPF disrupting pirate operations ashore, doesn't seem so inviting?
Anyway, this may auger well for the future, though it does nothing for current hostages. If others abandon the business, seamen transiting the seas off East Africa may be able to breath a bit easier.
~~~
Freed MV Iceberg 1 Crew Returning Home
Crew pose after rescue - click for IBNLive story
29Dec2012 - The dramatic rescue of the MV Iceberg 1 hostages was big news within the maritime community, but has stirred less interest worldwide than I had expected. In the past few days' news cycle, little has surfaced after the first rash of reports.
This news item from IBNLive features a good photograph of 21 of the survivors (was the 22nd taking the picture?), and news that the Indian sailors, at least, are headed home and should be there today.
The news story refers to six Indians returning home, which would be very much to be hoped for, but my understanding from reading everything else is that the number if Indians is only five - heroic Dheeraj Kumar Tiwari, Chief Officer, being currently listed as missing. He had courageously defended crewmembers from beatings, drawing beatings and torture to himself. No news of his fate has been forthcoming.
See also these resources:
http://ibnlive.in.com/newstopics/MV-Iceberg.html
http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/for-relatives-of-rescued-mv-iceberg-crew-a-christmas-worth-celebrating
This news item from IBNLive features a good photograph of 21 of the survivors (was the 22nd taking the picture?), and news that the Indian sailors, at least, are headed home and should be there today.
The news story refers to six Indians returning home, which would be very much to be hoped for, but my understanding from reading everything else is that the number if Indians is only five - heroic Dheeraj Kumar Tiwari, Chief Officer, being currently listed as missing. He had courageously defended crewmembers from beatings, drawing beatings and torture to himself. No news of his fate has been forthcoming.
See also these resources:
http://ibnlive.in.com/newstopics/MV-Iceberg.html
http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/for-relatives-of-rescued-mv-iceberg-crew-a-christmas-worth-celebrating
~~~
MV Iceberg 1 Freed, According To Reports
Click for gCaptain article
Several articles are now reporting that MV Iceberg 1 has been freed!
FURTHER EDIT (26Dec2012): This post from Garowe Online has some photos of the freed hostages, and some comments and other information. They are being given medical treatment in Garowe in preparation to going home.
Garowe Online Photos/Comments
POST EDIT (25Dec2012): There have been some updates about the freed hostages' condition, so here are some additional links:
Naval Today
Garowe Online
CNN
The National
InaGist
Again, if you come across additional resources that would interest the rest of us, please post them on the MV Iceberg 1 Facebook page. Thanks!
(23Dec2012): I'll just list some of the links here and you can go straight to the horse's mouth:
GaroweOnline
gCaptain
BBC News
Reuters
GlobalPost
AllAfrica
There are others, and more will show up all the time Many of these just repeat the fundamental facts, but some are a bit more complete than others.
It's great news about their release, and I can't wait for further news about the hostages themselves, and their return home. If you see further news, please let the rest of us know by posting a link on the MV Iceberg 1 MAG Facebook Page - thanks, and God bless the hostages!
FURTHER EDIT (26Dec2012): This post from Garowe Online has some photos of the freed hostages, and some comments and other information. They are being given medical treatment in Garowe in preparation to going home.
Garowe Online Photos/Comments
POST EDIT (25Dec2012): There have been some updates about the freed hostages' condition, so here are some additional links:
Naval Today
Garowe Online
CNN
The National
InaGist
Again, if you come across additional resources that would interest the rest of us, please post them on the MV Iceberg 1 Facebook page. Thanks!
(23Dec2012): I'll just list some of the links here and you can go straight to the horse's mouth:
GaroweOnline
gCaptain
BBC News
Reuters
GlobalPost
AllAfrica
There are others, and more will show up all the time Many of these just repeat the fundamental facts, but some are a bit more complete than others.
It's great news about their release, and I can't wait for further news about the hostages themselves, and their return home. If you see further news, please let the rest of us know by posting a link on the MV Iceberg 1 MAG Facebook Page - thanks, and God bless the hostages!
~~~
MV ICEBERG 1 News Developments Abound
Click for late news about MV Iceberg 1 battle
After a long dry spell in news about MV Iceberg 1, the last week has brought developments that could be seen as hopeful - but must also worry the hostages' families:
First, a few days ago we read about the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) attacking MV Iceberg 1 in an ultimately failed attempt to free the hostages. However, the PMPF then blockaded the ship and intercepted a pirate skiff that was attempting to reinforce and resupply the the pirates holding the MV Iceberg 1, killing three pirates, taking three more prisoner, and capturing weapons and ammunition. One or more PMPF soldiers was also rumored killed in the incident.
This was followed by the arrest of the Korean ship MV Daesan by the government of Puntland, for dumping a rejected cargo of cement in Puntland waters. While under arrest at Bosaso Port she was hijacked by some of the soldiers who were guarding her, who subsequently surrendered and brought her back to Bosaso. One of the rumors about that strange episode was that MV Daesan had been hijacked at the behest of pirates who were trying to distract the PMPF forces blockading MV Iceberg 1.
Now we see this story from the Hindustan Times which tells us that among the hostages aboard MV Iceberg 1 are as many as 22 Indians who had been brought there from labor concentration camps in Somalia. "Apart from the ransom money, the pirates are demanding that India releases their comrades captured by the Indian Navy." states the Hindustan Times news item.
Live firefights are reportedly taking place between Puntland forces and the pirates holding the ship. The Indian government is encouraging the Puntland government to maintain the pressure on the remaining pirates aboard MV Iceberg 1, hoping to exhaust their ammunition and supplies and force them to surrender.
The only fly in the ointment in all this is the obvious danger to the hostages. The pirates are criminals who haven't hesitated at times in the past to hurt or kill innocent hostages; the danger that they will retaliate against their captives is always there. On the other hand, the Puntland forces seem to be playing a strong hand. Perhaps if the pirates fear that they might lose the confrontation and face additional punishment for abusing their hostages, they will refrain from further crimes against them.
Here's hoping the battle goes to the Puntland forces, and the pirates are brought to justice without any further harm to the hostages.
First, a few days ago we read about the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) attacking MV Iceberg 1 in an ultimately failed attempt to free the hostages. However, the PMPF then blockaded the ship and intercepted a pirate skiff that was attempting to reinforce and resupply the the pirates holding the MV Iceberg 1, killing three pirates, taking three more prisoner, and capturing weapons and ammunition. One or more PMPF soldiers was also rumored killed in the incident.
This was followed by the arrest of the Korean ship MV Daesan by the government of Puntland, for dumping a rejected cargo of cement in Puntland waters. While under arrest at Bosaso Port she was hijacked by some of the soldiers who were guarding her, who subsequently surrendered and brought her back to Bosaso. One of the rumors about that strange episode was that MV Daesan had been hijacked at the behest of pirates who were trying to distract the PMPF forces blockading MV Iceberg 1.
Now we see this story from the Hindustan Times which tells us that among the hostages aboard MV Iceberg 1 are as many as 22 Indians who had been brought there from labor concentration camps in Somalia. "Apart from the ransom money, the pirates are demanding that India releases their comrades captured by the Indian Navy." states the Hindustan Times news item.
Live firefights are reportedly taking place between Puntland forces and the pirates holding the ship. The Indian government is encouraging the Puntland government to maintain the pressure on the remaining pirates aboard MV Iceberg 1, hoping to exhaust their ammunition and supplies and force them to surrender.
The only fly in the ointment in all this is the obvious danger to the hostages. The pirates are criminals who haven't hesitated at times in the past to hurt or kill innocent hostages; the danger that they will retaliate against their captives is always there. On the other hand, the Puntland forces seem to be playing a strong hand. Perhaps if the pirates fear that they might lose the confrontation and face additional punishment for abusing their hostages, they will refrain from further crimes against them.
Here's hoping the battle goes to the Puntland forces, and the pirates are brought to justice without any further harm to the hostages.
~~~
"Hostages Should Not Be Abandoned. . . "
Click photo for The National's Dubai conference story
This news item isn't exactly breaking news - it appeared in The National over two weeks ago - but, if you haven't seen it, it speaks to a point that all seamen understand. "Hostages should not be abandoned, experts at Dubai conference say" says the headline. We can all get on board with that.
The story goes on to quote various speakers at the conference, who appealed for better cooperation, criticized "rogue" shipowners who abandon their men, and described the hostages' shameful suffering.
Pottendal Mukundan of the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) had this to say: "The violence these seamen face is the reason we must keep talking about piracy. They are traumatised in captivity and the effects are very serious. While the vast majority of shipowners do manage to release their crew at considerable cost to themselves, a handful of rogue shipowners give shipping a bad name."
And, Roberto Giorgi, the president of V Ships, said this: "We must talk about the human element, about those kidnapped who are still suffering. MV Iceberg is owned by a Dubai company and it has been held for the longest time. The vessel has been abandoned by the owner. My point is: what do we do about it?"
What, indeed? No suggestions appear in the article, and conferences don't often result in specific action - they're usually more "heat" than "light." But at least the human element in piracy is appearing on the shipping world's radar, and hostages like those on MV Iceberg 1 are being talked about in terms of taking action to free them.
It's a shame that a conference like this has to take such pains to educate the world about the problem at this late date! But late is better than never, and it at least shows that the political and emotional climate may at last be ripe for real action.
Operations like the recent action in Puntland by the PMPF - which in this case, unfortunately, failed to free the MV Iceberg 1 hostages - may become more common and more successful, bringing suffering men back to their families. Hitting the pirates at home may curtail their activity and range, and make their business less profitable. Maybe the recent downward trend in pirate activity can become an inevitable downward spiral; and if the world will help Somalia back to nationhood, maybe that can become a permanent condition.
At least this conference can give us some hope for the future - and for the MV Iceberg 1 prisoners.
The story goes on to quote various speakers at the conference, who appealed for better cooperation, criticized "rogue" shipowners who abandon their men, and described the hostages' shameful suffering.
Pottendal Mukundan of the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) had this to say: "The violence these seamen face is the reason we must keep talking about piracy. They are traumatised in captivity and the effects are very serious. While the vast majority of shipowners do manage to release their crew at considerable cost to themselves, a handful of rogue shipowners give shipping a bad name."
And, Roberto Giorgi, the president of V Ships, said this: "We must talk about the human element, about those kidnapped who are still suffering. MV Iceberg is owned by a Dubai company and it has been held for the longest time. The vessel has been abandoned by the owner. My point is: what do we do about it?"
What, indeed? No suggestions appear in the article, and conferences don't often result in specific action - they're usually more "heat" than "light." But at least the human element in piracy is appearing on the shipping world's radar, and hostages like those on MV Iceberg 1 are being talked about in terms of taking action to free them.
It's a shame that a conference like this has to take such pains to educate the world about the problem at this late date! But late is better than never, and it at least shows that the political and emotional climate may at last be ripe for real action.
Operations like the recent action in Puntland by the PMPF - which in this case, unfortunately, failed to free the MV Iceberg 1 hostages - may become more common and more successful, bringing suffering men back to their families. Hitting the pirates at home may curtail their activity and range, and make their business less profitable. Maybe the recent downward trend in pirate activity can become an inevitable downward spiral; and if the world will help Somalia back to nationhood, maybe that can become a permanent condition.
At least this conference can give us some hope for the future - and for the MV Iceberg 1 prisoners.
~~~
Puntland Forces Kill 3 Pirates In ICEBERG 1 Rescue Attempt
PMFP forces earlier this year - click photo for Garowe Online item
JARIBAN, Somalia Dec 11 2012 (Garowe Online) – At least 3 pirates were killed after they clashed with Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) near a coastal town in Puntland after a hostage rescue attempt of the pirate held MV Iceberg 1, on Tuesday, Garowe Online reports.
The statement in bold, above, hit me between the eyes when I checked my email this evening! The PMFP, rumored disbanded, seems to be alive and well - and in fighting trim - to judge from this account on Garowe Online.
Earlier this week,a according to the news story, PMFP forces had tried to free the MV Iceberg 1 hostages but failed. They have now blockaded the ship, and the clash referred to above took place when a boat tried to reinforce and resupply the pirates on the ship, being held near the town of Gar'aad. Three of the pirates were killed, and three others captured. A large quantity of weapons and ammunition were also taken.
One part of the Garowe Online news story doesn't seem to jibe with what we'd earlier been told about the MV Iceberg 1 crew, though. The Garowe Online story says that of the 24 crewmembers, two have died: one by suicide, and one killed by the pirates, which they claim is the Captain.
But earlier speculation had been that the Chief Engineer had been taken off the ship by the pirates and was feared dead. So some uncertainty remains about the crew and their welfare.
The Garowe Online story continues:
According to security sources, the maritime forces attempted the rescue mission after lengthy talks with the pirates on board the vessel broke down.
The PMPF have surrounded the ship enforcing a blockade and are engaging with the pirates to peacefully surrender.
This seems like good news to me - although it's clear that the hostages are now in increased danger. The PMFP force seems to be in a commanding position and may be able to force the pirates to surrender.
Our hope must be that the remaining pirates will not take vengeance on the hostages for the deaths of their three comrades at the hands of the PMFP. Pray for the hostages' safety, and that they will be freed very soon.
If you hear later developments about this story, please share them on the Mariners Action Group Facebook page, where you will also find a post on this topic.
The statement in bold, above, hit me between the eyes when I checked my email this evening! The PMFP, rumored disbanded, seems to be alive and well - and in fighting trim - to judge from this account on Garowe Online.
Earlier this week,a according to the news story, PMFP forces had tried to free the MV Iceberg 1 hostages but failed. They have now blockaded the ship, and the clash referred to above took place when a boat tried to reinforce and resupply the pirates on the ship, being held near the town of Gar'aad. Three of the pirates were killed, and three others captured. A large quantity of weapons and ammunition were also taken.
One part of the Garowe Online news story doesn't seem to jibe with what we'd earlier been told about the MV Iceberg 1 crew, though. The Garowe Online story says that of the 24 crewmembers, two have died: one by suicide, and one killed by the pirates, which they claim is the Captain.
But earlier speculation had been that the Chief Engineer had been taken off the ship by the pirates and was feared dead. So some uncertainty remains about the crew and their welfare.
The Garowe Online story continues:
According to security sources, the maritime forces attempted the rescue mission after lengthy talks with the pirates on board the vessel broke down.
The PMPF have surrounded the ship enforcing a blockade and are engaging with the pirates to peacefully surrender.
This seems like good news to me - although it's clear that the hostages are now in increased danger. The PMFP force seems to be in a commanding position and may be able to force the pirates to surrender.
Our hope must be that the remaining pirates will not take vengeance on the hostages for the deaths of their three comrades at the hands of the PMFP. Pray for the hostages' safety, and that they will be freed very soon.
If you hear later developments about this story, please share them on the Mariners Action Group Facebook page, where you will also find a post on this topic.
~~~
South Korean Sailors Freed By Somali Pirates After 19 Months
Four Korean sailors held - click for story
Here's the sentence that jumped out at me when I read this story on Reuters: " . . . the sailors appeared to be in good health and . . . the government backed the Singapore company in negotiations with the pirates."
The four men, sailors from the crew of MT GEMINI, were the only Koreans in a crew of 25 men when the ship was hijacked on 30 April 2011. When the ship was ransomed seven months later, the pirates kept the Koreans. They had been held ever since.
The four men, sailors from the crew of MT GEMINI, were the only Koreans in a crew of 25 men when the ship was hijacked on 30 April 2011. When the ship was ransomed seven months later, the pirates kept the Koreans. They had been held ever since.
The governments of Singapore, MT GEMINI's flag state; and of Korea, which set up a task force to monitor the situation and aid their countrymen, cooperated along with the shipping company in gaining the men's freedom. This sounds similar to the cooperation shown in the Bourbon Liberty 249 hijacking.
In that situation a team that Bourbon had set up specifically to deal with hostage-taking, cooperated with governments representing their kidnapped seamen to bring about the release of 14 hostages. Things began to happen as soon as the men were taken, and the situation was resolved in less than three weeks.
The MT GEMINI situation was more difficult and took far longer, but achieved the men's freedom in the end. The hostages weren't abandoned; as in the Bourbon case, their company and their government started working toward their freedom as soon as they were hijacked and never stopped until they were free.
These two situations show what can be done when there is a will to do it. Many of the worst hostage situations - like the MV ICEBERG 1 - have festered and deteriorated simply because no one in power seemed to care enough to do something.
This is not to denigrate the noble efforts of humanitarian workers like Ansar Burney, who have significant successes to point to. But they are trying their best to fill a vacuum that has been left by certain shipping companies and nations, who fail to support their own employees and citizens.
Successes like BOURBON LIBERTY 249 and MT GEMINI ought to encourage - or shame - some of the actors sitting on the sidelines to get up and get into action.
These captive seamen aren't numbers - so many men in a crew. These are human beings with lives and families. They, and their families, are all owed the consideration that was shown to the hostages in these two cases.
In that situation a team that Bourbon had set up specifically to deal with hostage-taking, cooperated with governments representing their kidnapped seamen to bring about the release of 14 hostages. Things began to happen as soon as the men were taken, and the situation was resolved in less than three weeks.
The MT GEMINI situation was more difficult and took far longer, but achieved the men's freedom in the end. The hostages weren't abandoned; as in the Bourbon case, their company and their government started working toward their freedom as soon as they were hijacked and never stopped until they were free.
These two situations show what can be done when there is a will to do it. Many of the worst hostage situations - like the MV ICEBERG 1 - have festered and deteriorated simply because no one in power seemed to care enough to do something.
This is not to denigrate the noble efforts of humanitarian workers like Ansar Burney, who have significant successes to point to. But they are trying their best to fill a vacuum that has been left by certain shipping companies and nations, who fail to support their own employees and citizens.
Successes like BOURBON LIBERTY 249 and MT GEMINI ought to encourage - or shame - some of the actors sitting on the sidelines to get up and get into action.
These captive seamen aren't numbers - so many men in a crew. These are human beings with lives and families. They, and their families, are all owed the consideration that was shown to the hostages in these two cases.
~~~
Indian UN Ambassador Addresses Piracy
Click photo for news item on SamayLive
"The negative humanitarian impact of this threat on seafarers who are the lifeline of maritime shipping can no longer be ignored," according to India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri, who spoke yesterday during a UN Security Council debate on 'Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Piracy'.
Of interest were the following excerpts from the article on Samay Live:
"The Council later adopted a Presidential Statement on the issue of piracy, which was initiated by the Indian delegation,and incorporates the concerns of several countries relating to the welfare of seafarers taken as hostages by pirates."
"As of August 2012, the Somali pirates were holding 11 ships and 188 hostages, including 43 Indian seafarers."
"While we will continue with counter- piracy operations,there is also an urgent need for the international community to address the serious problem of seafarers being taken as hostages and consequent humanitarian problems faced by them and their families.
"It requires active cooperation in the sharing of information, evidence and intelligence in the investigation, prosecution and sentencing of suspected pirates as well as in efforts to achieve an early release of seafarers that are held hostage by pirates," Puri said.
And, finally: "He noted that combating maritime piracy is an important issue that is intrinsically linked with the security situation in Somalia and in the states around the Gulf of Guinea. Puri expressed hope that the new government of Somalia would fully implement counter- piracy measures."
So there are a number of things in his speech that I'd strongly agree with: the importance of obtaining the release of seafarers already taken hostage, the proposed cooperation with other states, and the focus on the anti-piracy measures to be undertaken by the new government of Somalia - which I hope indicates some level of support for that fledgling government and its anti-piracy actions.
We might also hope that this speech indicates India's willingness to take leadership in dealing with a piracy problem that threatens its own citizens, in and adjacent to its own waters.
Of interest were the following excerpts from the article on Samay Live:
"The Council later adopted a Presidential Statement on the issue of piracy, which was initiated by the Indian delegation,and incorporates the concerns of several countries relating to the welfare of seafarers taken as hostages by pirates."
"As of August 2012, the Somali pirates were holding 11 ships and 188 hostages, including 43 Indian seafarers."
"While we will continue with counter- piracy operations,there is also an urgent need for the international community to address the serious problem of seafarers being taken as hostages and consequent humanitarian problems faced by them and their families.
"It requires active cooperation in the sharing of information, evidence and intelligence in the investigation, prosecution and sentencing of suspected pirates as well as in efforts to achieve an early release of seafarers that are held hostage by pirates," Puri said.
And, finally: "He noted that combating maritime piracy is an important issue that is intrinsically linked with the security situation in Somalia and in the states around the Gulf of Guinea. Puri expressed hope that the new government of Somalia would fully implement counter- piracy measures."
So there are a number of things in his speech that I'd strongly agree with: the importance of obtaining the release of seafarers already taken hostage, the proposed cooperation with other states, and the focus on the anti-piracy measures to be undertaken by the new government of Somalia - which I hope indicates some level of support for that fledgling government and its anti-piracy actions.
We might also hope that this speech indicates India's willingness to take leadership in dealing with a piracy problem that threatens its own citizens, in and adjacent to its own waters.
~~~
Somali Pirates Having A Bad Year
Click image to go to gCaptain news item
Here is an interesting chart of piracy trends in Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and off Somalia compiled by NATO.
The lower rate of attacks, and especially the lower pirate success rate, is encouraging of course - although it doesn't do anything for those who are already captive. The worry (as noted in the gCaptain article) is that the low attack rate will lead to complacency and diminish the international focus on piracy.
If that diminished international focus lowers pressure for a real solution to East African piracy - versus the current approach of "treating the symptoms," in other words just shooting at the pirates - it could be a bad thing. And if that diminished perception of the threat makes people think that they don't need to spend any more time thinking how to address the problem, it will just delay the solution.
We've already seen that freeing the hostage seamen is a low-priority item. Captive seamen can rot in Somalia for years without triggering action, or even exciting much comment. They just aren't considered important by the larger world. So I'd hate to see even less attention given to the issue!
On the other hand, for those seamen - like one of this Mariner's Action Group's founders - who have to travel through those waters, the chart above is good news. Let's try to see it as progress of a sort, and hope that the powers that be will continue their slow progress toward addressing an effective solution on the ground in Somalia.
The lower rate of attacks, and especially the lower pirate success rate, is encouraging of course - although it doesn't do anything for those who are already captive. The worry (as noted in the gCaptain article) is that the low attack rate will lead to complacency and diminish the international focus on piracy.
If that diminished international focus lowers pressure for a real solution to East African piracy - versus the current approach of "treating the symptoms," in other words just shooting at the pirates - it could be a bad thing. And if that diminished perception of the threat makes people think that they don't need to spend any more time thinking how to address the problem, it will just delay the solution.
We've already seen that freeing the hostage seamen is a low-priority item. Captive seamen can rot in Somalia for years without triggering action, or even exciting much comment. They just aren't considered important by the larger world. So I'd hate to see even less attention given to the issue!
On the other hand, for those seamen - like one of this Mariner's Action Group's founders - who have to travel through those waters, the chart above is good news. Let's try to see it as progress of a sort, and hope that the powers that be will continue their slow progress toward addressing an effective solution on the ground in Somalia.
~~~
Indian Seamen Still Held By Pirates - Business Line
Indian Navy captures pirate action group - click photo for BusinessLine news item
This news story from The Hindu Business Line fails to mention the MV Iceberg 1 hostages, but does discuss the Somali pirate gang practice of holding Indian sailors - and not for ransom. Instead, the pirates want to swap their Indian hostages for convicted pirates who being held in Indian jails.
In this case, the men are sailors of the MT Asphalt Venture, captured two years ago. Here is an earlier article & video of these men from NDTV.
Of course this puts the Indian government in an intolerable position - as noted in the article, India can't free convicted criminals just because a gang takes Indian citizens hostage. But it leaves the Indian seamen who are hostages in an intolerable position, too. According to the story, ransom has been offered for the captive seamen, but it was refused. And as can be seen in the NDTV video linked to above, these men need help.
As the men apparently can't be ransomed, what can be done? This situation - which would also affect the six Indian crewmembers being held on MV Iceberg 1 - cries out for a greater solution to the Somalian piracy conundrum - one that addresses the Somali state.
The trouble is that the actors in the drama - both the poor seaman who is held prisoner, and the equally poor Somali pirate, deprived of a functioning country, whose only organization seems to be the gang or warlord - are people who are viewed by much of the developed world as fundamentally disposable. That is why most of the action we've seen to deal with piracy has focused on the gross symptom - the hijacking of ships - and not on bringing order and justice to the land that produces these pirates.
Could India - an important, powerful leader in the region - take the lead in such an initiative? It would be in her interest, and the interest of poor people on all sides of this problem, if India stepped forward to do so.
In this case, the men are sailors of the MT Asphalt Venture, captured two years ago. Here is an earlier article & video of these men from NDTV.
Of course this puts the Indian government in an intolerable position - as noted in the article, India can't free convicted criminals just because a gang takes Indian citizens hostage. But it leaves the Indian seamen who are hostages in an intolerable position, too. According to the story, ransom has been offered for the captive seamen, but it was refused. And as can be seen in the NDTV video linked to above, these men need help.
As the men apparently can't be ransomed, what can be done? This situation - which would also affect the six Indian crewmembers being held on MV Iceberg 1 - cries out for a greater solution to the Somalian piracy conundrum - one that addresses the Somali state.
The trouble is that the actors in the drama - both the poor seaman who is held prisoner, and the equally poor Somali pirate, deprived of a functioning country, whose only organization seems to be the gang or warlord - are people who are viewed by much of the developed world as fundamentally disposable. That is why most of the action we've seen to deal with piracy has focused on the gross symptom - the hijacking of ships - and not on bringing order and justice to the land that produces these pirates.
Could India - an important, powerful leader in the region - take the lead in such an initiative? It would be in her interest, and the interest of poor people on all sides of this problem, if India stepped forward to do so.
~~~
The Trouble With Pirates
Another movie about piracy is in production - this one apparently a documentary. It's called The Trouble with Pirates, and looks to be done in cooperation with a Somali citizen who returned to his homeland, in part to make this film. The filmmakers are touting their inside access - from the beaches of Somalia to the boardrooms of shipping firms. There looks to be some interesting documentary footage in the trailer.
The filmmakers worked with a partner from Ince & Co. - a law firm - so it's not clear just what the film's slant will be on the piracy question. There are some powerful players in the anti-piracy arena who have called for an end to ransoms; their argument being that ransom makes piracy profitable, so take away ransoms and piracy disappears.
Lovely reasoning, no doubt, from a theoretical point of view. But if you know a pirate hostage, or even care about individual hostages' welfare, this reasoning doesn't work. To end payment of ransoms would subject current hostages to even greater pain and risk than they're exposed to now. Nothing that is done to end piracy should fail to consider the effect that action may have on those helpless people now in captivity.
This film will be interesting to follow, though, as it gets closer to release. I hope it will turn out to be a positive factor in the fight against piracy, and for returning home the hostages who are still being held.
The filmmakers worked with a partner from Ince & Co. - a law firm - so it's not clear just what the film's slant will be on the piracy question. There are some powerful players in the anti-piracy arena who have called for an end to ransoms; their argument being that ransom makes piracy profitable, so take away ransoms and piracy disappears.
Lovely reasoning, no doubt, from a theoretical point of view. But if you know a pirate hostage, or even care about individual hostages' welfare, this reasoning doesn't work. To end payment of ransoms would subject current hostages to even greater pain and risk than they're exposed to now. Nothing that is done to end piracy should fail to consider the effect that action may have on those helpless people now in captivity.
This film will be interesting to follow, though, as it gets closer to release. I hope it will turn out to be a positive factor in the fight against piracy, and for returning home the hostages who are still being held.
~~~
"A Hijacking" Film Trailer Released
We've been hearing for some time about a film based on Somalia piracy. It's a fictional situation, but the filmmaker - Danish writer/director Tobias Lindholm - seems to have tried very hard to create an authentic account. Here's the trailer - what do you think?
Pirates Who "Fired For Fun" Jailed For 18 Years
Click dhow photo for OceanusLive news item
15 Somalian men, who were taken while chasing a ship and equipped with an RPG, AK-47s, and a ladder maintained in the Seychelles Supreme Court that "they were fishing and having fun as they fired rockets at a tanker in the Arabian Sea and that weapons – including assault rifles – which they dumped at sea when a surveillance helicopter appeared were only for their own protection."
Judge Mohan Burhan found the men guilty: “Firstly directing an RPG on the bridge of a ship under the circumstances mentioned by the witnesses cannot be considered to be a ‘fun’ activity,” said the judge, rejecting their story.
The judge noted that Seychelles law allowed the prosecution of pirates within Seychelles borders and beyond. The 15 men received sentences of up to 18 years. See the news story here on OceanusLive.
Judge Mohan Burhan found the men guilty: “Firstly directing an RPG on the bridge of a ship under the circumstances mentioned by the witnesses cannot be considered to be a ‘fun’ activity,” said the judge, rejecting their story.
The judge noted that Seychelles law allowed the prosecution of pirates within Seychelles borders and beyond. The 15 men received sentences of up to 18 years. See the news story here on OceanusLive.
UPDATED: Netherlands Navy Returns Fire, Sinks Pirate Dhow
Dhow burns after being hit - click photo for original Marine Log story
UPDATE: This story from Maritime Executive has later, more complete details of the incident. Notably, 25 pirates - not eight - were rescued from the water. The one pirate killed may have died during the initial response from the Rotterdam, and not have drowned, as the first story reported. Either way, it's another PAG out of commission - and that's good for the world's seamen.
Original post:
Sailors from Hr. Ms. Rotterdam came under fire from the pirate dhow pictured above.
The ship and other units, including three RHIBs and an unmanned aircraft, responded, setting the dhow on fire. The Dutch sailors continued taking fire from shore as they picked up pirates who had jumped into the water. One pirate drowned in the incident; eight pirates were taken prisoner and treated for injuries aboard the Rotterdam. None of the Dutch sailors was hurt. This story from Marine Log has more details.
Original post:
Sailors from Hr. Ms. Rotterdam came under fire from the pirate dhow pictured above.
The ship and other units, including three RHIBs and an unmanned aircraft, responded, setting the dhow on fire. The Dutch sailors continued taking fire from shore as they picked up pirates who had jumped into the water. One pirate drowned in the incident; eight pirates were taken prisoner and treated for injuries aboard the Rotterdam. None of the Dutch sailors was hurt. This story from Marine Log has more details.
Pirate Attacks Off Somalia Drop, But Gulf of Guinea Surges
Somalian pirate - click photo for Marine Log story
"In the first nine months of 2012, there were 70 Somali attacks compared with 199 for the corresponding period in 2011. And from July to September, just one ship reported an attempted attack by Somali pirates, compared with 36 incidents in the same three months last year."
That's a quote from an article on Marine Log about the drop in Somalia pirate activity this year, along with a warning that Gulf of Guinea piracy is beginning to surge. The article also quotes Capt. Pottengal Mukundan, Director of IMB, as warning against complacency and the reduction of naval patrols in the Somalia theater. The situation ashore hasn't changed, and pirate gangs are as ready as ever to take advantage of any openings.
Gulf of Guinea piracy has surged, according to IMB: "The Gulf of Guinea is becoming increasingly dangerous with 34 piracy incidents from January to September 2012, up from 30 last year and the problem has been spreading westward from Benin to neighboring Togo. IMB said attacks are often violent, planned and aimed at stealing refined oil products which can be easily sold on the open market. To cover their tracks once the vessel is hijacked, pirates damage the communications equipment and at times even the navigation equipment." Click the photo or the link above for the full article.
That's a quote from an article on Marine Log about the drop in Somalia pirate activity this year, along with a warning that Gulf of Guinea piracy is beginning to surge. The article also quotes Capt. Pottengal Mukundan, Director of IMB, as warning against complacency and the reduction of naval patrols in the Somalia theater. The situation ashore hasn't changed, and pirate gangs are as ready as ever to take advantage of any openings.
Gulf of Guinea piracy has surged, according to IMB: "The Gulf of Guinea is becoming increasingly dangerous with 34 piracy incidents from January to September 2012, up from 30 last year and the problem has been spreading westward from Benin to neighboring Togo. IMB said attacks are often violent, planned and aimed at stealing refined oil products which can be easily sold on the open market. To cover their tracks once the vessel is hijacked, pirates damage the communications equipment and at times even the navigation equipment." Click the photo or the link above for the full article.
MV Orna Crew Freed
MV Orna - click photo for The National story
A negotiator dealing with two competing pirate groups has reached an agreement to release the fire-damaged ship and 13 of the crew - but 6 of the crewmembers are being held back, 3 hostages for each of the two competing pirate groups.
It had previously been reported that a crewman had been killed to raise pressure on the ship's owners, but this story from The National says the pirates shot the man in the foot for drinking water against orders. He is one of the 6 men still being held by the two warring pirate clans.
It had previously been reported that a crewman had been killed to raise pressure on the ship's owners, but this story from The National says the pirates shot the man in the foot for drinking water against orders. He is one of the 6 men still being held by the two warring pirate clans.
Bourbon Crew Snatched Off Nigeria
Click photo for story on upstreamonline.com
Seven crewmembers have been abducted off a Bourbon Offshore vessel, the AHTS 249. The Bourbon vessel was 50 miles off the Nigerian coast at the time of the abduction; the pirates were apparently using a mothership. Nine crewmembers remain safely on board AHTS 249, and a search has begun for the missing seven. Here's a link to the story on Upstream.
MV Free Goddess Released By Somali Pirates
After payment of ransom, MV Free Goddess has been released. The ship was held for over eight months. See this post on gCaptain:
http://gcaptain.com/pirates-release-mv-free-goddess/
http://gcaptain.com/pirates-release-mv-free-goddess/
Private Puntland Maritime Police Force Abandoned
Click photo for Naftrade article
This news item from Naftrade illustrates the problems brought about by the lack of international diplomatic cooperation on piracy, and the haphazard, sometimes irresponsible use of private forces.
It's important to eliminate piracy on the ground - but ham-handed, foreign-funded initiatives like this cause more harm than good for law-abiding citizens of Somalia - and add to the mix of deadly weapons and idle, unemployed young men.
http://www.naftrade.com/5/post/2012/10/private-army-formed-to-fight-somali-pirates-leaves-troubled-legacy.html?goback=%2Egde_2394325_member_174295932
It's important to eliminate piracy on the ground - but ham-handed, foreign-funded initiatives like this cause more harm than good for law-abiding citizens of Somalia - and add to the mix of deadly weapons and idle, unemployed young men.
http://www.naftrade.com/5/post/2012/10/private-army-formed-to-fight-somali-pirates-leaves-troubled-legacy.html?goback=%2Egde_2394325_member_174295932
New Tweet from Ansar Burney: To US Embassy at Islamabad in response to Q&A session hosted by Alec J Ross at the Embassy.
Ansar Burney @AnsarBurney
@usembislamabad @AlecJRoss How US can help us to get release hundreds of Crew from Somali Pirates?
Ansar Burney @AnsarBurney
@usembislamabad @AlecJRoss How US can help us to get release hundreds of Crew from Somali Pirates?
Major New Film About Somali Piracy
I've no idea whether this will be good or not, but Danish writer/director Tobias Lindholm has made a film, titled "A Hijacking", that was praised in this review (see link) from the Venice Film Festival. The film is about negotiations to free a crew captured by Somali pirates.
In the film a ship - the "Rozen" - is hijacked by pirates. The action on board is seen through the character of the ship's cook, Mikkel. As negotiations drag on through weeks and months, conditions on board deteriorate and the pressure on the crew grows.
Here's a quote from the review: "Working effectively with the professional actors in the cast, meanwhile, real-life marine security expert Gary Skjoldmose Porter further boosts the general air of hard-knock versimilitude in a production which illuminatingly and sensitively dramatizes an easily-overlooked global crime phenomenon."
The link: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/venice-2012-a-hijacking-movie-review-tobias-lindholm-367576
In the film a ship - the "Rozen" - is hijacked by pirates. The action on board is seen through the character of the ship's cook, Mikkel. As negotiations drag on through weeks and months, conditions on board deteriorate and the pressure on the crew grows.
Here's a quote from the review: "Working effectively with the professional actors in the cast, meanwhile, real-life marine security expert Gary Skjoldmose Porter further boosts the general air of hard-knock versimilitude in a production which illuminatingly and sensitively dramatizes an easily-overlooked global crime phenomenon."
The link: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/venice-2012-a-hijacking-movie-review-tobias-lindholm-367576