Flying logs defeat armed pirates
Published: 01 May, 2009, 11:59
The crew and passengers of a cargo ship in the Gulf of Aden found a novel way to fight Somali pirates off the coast of Africa. The vessel, manned mainly by Russian sailors, repelled the attack with planks and logs.
The 31-strong crew of the Boularibank, a British cargo vessel, included 23 Russians. They, along with 11 passengers, refused to surrender when attacked by two pirate boats, reports the Itar-Tass news agency.
It’s reported that the pirates, on approaching the vessel, opened fire with submachine-guns and a grenade launcher. In turn, the crew and passengers fought back with whatever was to hand.
First, they sprayed the pirates with water from fire-hoses. Then they resorted to heavier objects like planks and logs, which they threw at their attackers.
"The pirates didn't dare to come close out of fear of being hit by heavy chunks of wood that were flying down from the deck," said Mikhail Voitenko, the editor-in-chief of the Internet edition of "Maritime Bulletin-Sovfrakht.”
Meanwhile, he added, fighting off pirates with makeshift weapons is a dangerous idea.
“If you, say, give enough time to pirates, if they are not afraid that there is some navy around, it’s only the question of time. In most cases it’s very dangerous and the chance to fight off pirates is very little,” Voytenko said.
Nevertheless, flying logs and smart maneuvering by the captain enabled the Boularibank to successfully escape the assault.
The ship is now heading for England.
01.05.2009, 11:14
Prayers to God only an email awayJews believe that praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem is like speaking directly to God, but those who can’t travel there themselves still have a means to pass on their wishes – through a ‘prayer agent’. |
01.05.2009, 12:24
Suspect allegedly linked to Baku shooting detainedA suspect allegedly linked to a shooting in Baku Oil Academy on Thursday, in which 13 were killed and another 13 injured has been charged with criminal complicity. |
You gotta luv it!! About time the shipping industry started taking a stand against these nuts. I have found it ridiculous that past pirated ships gave up so easily. Of course I guess you had to be there. I believe the pirates won't give up but will find some other method of attack that won't expose them so much. The reward for them is too lucrative to give up irregardless of their losses.