Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Two Questions on the Pirate Capture of the Saudi Oil Tanker
First question: After looking at the size of this thing, can someone explain how the heck some guys with automatic weapons in speedboats were able to capture it? Couldn't the crew just lock the doors and say, "Go away, we know it's not a candy gram!" ?
Second question: When the news first broke, do you think Pete Leeson said "oh baby oh baby!" ?
Second question: When the news first broke, do you think Pete Leeson said "oh baby oh baby!" ?
Comments:
I would think that the threat of a few RPGs fired into the bridge would do it.
# posted by 
: November 19, 2008 at 2:38 PM
: November 19, 2008 at 2:38 PM
Bob, I had a similar thought - why the hell are the ship/cargo owners prepared to defend their assets, and from what really are rather puny attackers?
Instead they are acting like floating money bags - who wouldn't want a piece of that action?
Instead they are acting like floating money bags - who wouldn't want a piece of that action?
yes Bob
it's quite simple
fully loaded tankers are low on water
there are very few people on board
and a few rpgs are quite persuasive
it's quite simple
fully loaded tankers are low on water
there are very few people on board
and a few rpgs are quite persuasive
Just to clarify everyone, I was being facetious with the "locking the doors" angle. Really, I wondered why the company couldn't spring for a few guys manning a shielded turret who could spray incoming speedboats with bullets when they were trying to climb up the side with grappling hooks.
Sure it might be a big fixed investment (to install the weapons) and it would mean higher personnel costs, but wouldn't it be worth it? They might even ask for donations from other shippers for the service of making pirates more leery of approaching big oil tankers.
I should write a book on this.
Sure it might be a big fixed investment (to install the weapons) and it would mean higher personnel costs, but wouldn't it be worth it? They might even ask for donations from other shippers for the service of making pirates more leery of approaching big oil tankers.
I should write a book on this.
Well, Pete kind of explains it -- pirates make their repuations on being bonkers, and these guys carry rocket launchers. Hide behind your turret, and you'll see be doing the Brooklyn water ballet.
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