Category Archives: Pirates

somali pirates switching back to smaller boats

to remain less conspicuous, Somali pirates have been switching back to using smaller, more traditional boats (e.g., i think) as motherships, which blend in with fishing boats. this probably will keep them closer to shore. more here. a few points of note: “a study published in February by U.S. non-governmental organisation One Earth Future FoundationContinueContinue reading “somali pirates switching back to smaller boats”

talking about ‘the rest’ (no dear, we don’t call it that because we are not talking about africa right now)

this is so spot-on and people have added several more strong ones in the comments. i particularly like the vision of norway invading the US and sorting us out. they can play ‘immigrant song’ on the trip over. am thinking we need to start a list for health… also, for past and present high-seas piracy.

pirates in the news! (also, kids, if you’re a famous pirate, you still maybe shouldn’t do drugs)

here but yet to be corroborated. it’s unclear if the Iranians really have Garad. so far, only Africa Review is reporting it… “He was like Carlos the Jackal in the crime world,” Andrew Mwangura of the East African Seafarers Association told Africa Review [about Garad]. according to David F. Marley…the “secretive” Garad — it’s notContinueContinue reading “pirates in the news! (also, kids, if you’re a famous pirate, you still maybe shouldn’t do drugs)”

Development effects of piracy in Somalia (as studied by day & night satellite images)

Can I come up with a reason to study the health impacts of piracy? Ideas welcome! “Piracy has created employment and considerable multiplier effects in the Puntland economy, even if a significant proportion of the proceeds is invested in foreign goods or channelled to foreign financiers. The distribution of ransoms follows traditional patterns in Somalia, involving considerable redistribution andContinueContinue reading “Development effects of piracy in Somalia (as studied by day & night satellite images)”

Am I a pirate or a bandit? quick check

Technically, piracy is an act directed at a private sea/aircraft that occurs outside the jurisdiction of any one state (international waters or airspace). Once you have committed such an act, however, you can be declared a pirate for acts within a state that would otherwise be considered kidnapping or banditry. This out-of-state definition means piratesContinueContinue reading “Am I a pirate or a bandit? quick check”