Somali pirates seize ninth vessel in 12 days

[Cindy S.]

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article5192674.ece

[gratefulberean]

It is my opinion that shipping companies should be able to prevent this type of activity.

1) Heeding warnings heralded in updated Notice to Mariners (International version thereof)

2) Bolstering crew quality.

3) Making situational awareness a priority.

4) Upgrading crew/ship armament as appropriate for at risk voyages. This may include outsourcing to security firms (Blackwater? et al)

5) I am appalled by the apparent complacency of the shipping firms involved. It makes me wonder if they consider paying ransom to these pirates as simply part of the 'cost of doing business'.