The deaths of four Americans at the hands of Somali pirates marks a chilling escalation of violence in that corner of the world. The killings put a new challenge before the U.S. government to work with international partners to rebuff the hostage-taking and threats against pleasure boaters and commercial ships.
Jean and Scott Adam of Southern California, along with Phyllis Macay and Bob Riggle of Seattle were killed after the Adams’ 56-foot yacht was captured and they were taken hostage in the Arabian Sea. Ms. Macay is a former resident of Southeast Michigan who graduated from Michigan State University.
The four were the first U.S. citizens to die at the hands of Somali pirates. The pirates menace the seas in — and increasingly beyond — the Gulf of Aden. Stopping them is tough given the vast stretches of open water where they operate and the limited resources to repel them.
The number of attacks and the ransoms demanded are on the rise. A pirate tells USA Today that killing hostages “has now become part of our rules.” A few counter-measures:
-- International diplomatic steps to encourage a functioning Somali state, the only lasting solution to youthful lawlessness, though the toughest to accomplish.
-- Tougher retribution for captured pirates, who are too quickly released and too infrequently punished.
-- More armed guards on-board ships, or at least “citadels” within ships, secure areas to which crews can retreat to safely await help.
-- Guarded convoys for both commercial and recreational vessels.
For now, the best solution is an abundance of caution. Commercial ships have gathered in convoys and countries are sharing information and best practices to protect them. For reasons that aren’t clear, the Adams and their passengers separated themselves from a planned flotilla of fellow sailors. Their deaths are a tragic reminder of a growing problem.
Source: mlive.com
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