Sunday, January 23, 2011
Last year, pirates seized a South Korean oil tanker, the Samho Dream, and held it for 217 days until the owner paid $9.5 million ransom.
But an attempt to repeat this feat with a South Korean freighter, the Samho Jewelry, backfired lethally. Pirates captured the ship Jan. 15 and demanded ransom. Instead, a team of South Korean commandos stormed the vessel Friday morning, with helicopter backup. In a five-hour gunbattle, eight pirates were killed and several captured. All of the ship's 21 crewmembers were saved, although the captain was wounded.
Bravo. We hope this rescue spurs many nations to use deadly force against the notorious pirates who prowl shipping lanes off the horn of Africa. Why not post armed commandos on all passing ships, so they can repel boarders before they're able to reach the decks?
Somalia has lacked a functioning government since 1991. Pirate gangs blossom in the lawless region. Currently, the raiders hold 29 captured ships and 703 crewmembers, awaiting lucrative payoffs.
Rescue raids are perilous, risking lives of the hostages. Commando forces usually don't attack unless they know that crewmembers have barricaded themselves safely in locked quarters.
It would be far better for armed guards to mow down pirates before they can board the targeted vessels. But, one way or another, stronger defenses would be a blessing.
Source: Gazette-Mail