Are there modern day pirates

Weak police and corrupt officials only exacerbate the economic problems. The medical and economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic seems likely to pose severe challenges for countries with few resources and weak governments. West African and South American countries already struggle to police their territorial waters.

Those regions have not yet been severely affected by the coronavirus , though infections are growing on both continents. That will create opportunities for pirates. The disease may make it harder for crews to protect ships as well. Most merchant vessel crews are already stretched thin. Slowing consumer spending around the globe means less trade, which brings less revenue for shipping companies to spend on armed guards or other methods of protecting ships against pirates.

As a result, ships will likely become easier targets for pirates. But if economic conditions worsen around the globe and ships look like easy targets, more desperate people may turn to piracy, or ramp up their existing efforts in an attempt to survive.

You can get our highlights each weekend. While piracy is responsible for a huge economic loss each year, they often hold hostages from the ships they ambush demanding ransom for the safe release of the prisoners. This way, the pirates can maximize their profits by getting two paydays — one from the ransom money and another from the value of the goods on the ship. Gone are the days of swords and inaccurate cannons.

Modern pirates have automatic weapons and rocket-launched grenades. Hope is not lost! Companies have taken measures to protect their crews and cargo better from pirates.

They allow their crews to move full-speed ahead in areas known for heavy piracy, even though that means higher gas costs will be incurred by the company. Other companies have even resorted to hiring armed security to travel onboard their vessels. These security guards can fight off pirates who attempt to catch and board ships. The pirates retreated—this time for good. Bangladesh 7 Pirate Attacks Five men armed with long knives scrambled up the anchor chain of the Diana Bolten, seen here, at 3 a.

Three of the pirates threatened the watchman as he approached through the darkness, and the second mate directed a spotlight onto the men. The pirates fled back down the anchor chain, taking as much ship property as they could carry with them.

Calls went out to port control authorities and the Bangladeshi coast guard, which scoured the area in search of the robbers. It was too late: They escaped. Ivory Coast 6 Pirate Attacks The Gascogne, pictured, was underway 70 nautical miles south of Abidjan, Ivory Coast, when 12 pirates with firearms boarded the French-owned tanker just before 7 a.

The pirates sailed the hijacked ship to Nigeria, where they siphoned off its cargo of crude oil. At the time, the attack on the Gascogne was the third attack in Ivorian waters in just five days. The stealthy pirates who attacked Overseas Pearlmar, seen here, provide a good example.

They inspected the ship, and found physical clues that told the story: Pirates had dismantled a metal guard on the anchor chain near water level and then climbed up the chain. Taking the deck, they forced their way into the forecastle store by breaking the hinge on a padlocked door. They took what they wanted and escaped unseen.

Singapore Straits 4 Pirate Attacks De Hui was steaming with its barge, Haiyangshiyou, under tow in the Singapore Straits, seen here, when she was approached by a speed boat just after 5 p. Six pirates on the much swifter craft pulled alongside Haiyangshiyou, boarded her, grabbed various goods from the deck and quickly made their escape. After night fell, another speedboat came alongside the tug itself. They managed to steal nothing. IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Politics Covid U. News World Opinion Business.