Ship's Master arrested

[Curmudgeon]

As reported today on the FOX News website , the Venezeulean authorities arrested the captainof an oil tanker for having three assault rifles aboard . Chavez and his police must not read the IMB Live Piracy Report , as his ports and waters are frequently mentioned as sites of crimes , is no wonder why a vessel would be carrying weapons there .


Richard C. Schmidt
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[Jim Wahl]

I saw this but then it just went away. Anybody know any more on this? Jim


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[art leong]

They released him and the ship left port.

[Adger Smith]

So much for assualt rifles. If I was going through pirate infested areas I think a couple of M3M FN Herstal MG (GAU-21)'s mounted on the bow and stern should deter the pirates, or put them where the belong....

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by art leong

They released him and the ship left port.

Thanks for the update , I saw the original on Fox web , but missed conclusion .

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by Adger Smith

So much for assualt rifles. If I was going through pirate infested areas I think a couple of M3M FN Herstal MG (GAU-21)'s mounted on the bow and stern should deter the pirates, or put them where the belong....

Would tend to agree , a 3 inch 50 or 40mm twin Bofors also sound good on an emotional level , but international maritime law precludes that idea (think Kapt. Felix Von Luckner and the Seeadler ) . Nice to fantisize though .


Richard C. Schmidt
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[Jim Wahl]

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

Would tend to agree , a 3 inch 50 or 40mm twin Bofors also sound good on an emotional level , but international maritime law precludes that idea (think Kapt. Felix Von Luckner and the Seeadler ) . Nice to fantisize though .


Richard C. Schmidt
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Yeah, international shipping laws pretty much preclude civilian Captains from being able to defend themselves! This is a good reason the Somali pirates are so successful. Jim


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[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by Jim Wahl

Yeah, international shipping laws pretty much preclude civilian Captains from being able to defend themselves! This is a good reason the Somali pirates are so successful. Jim


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The west coast of Africa seems to be the hot spot as of late . An awful lot of activity around the Nigerian oil ports . The Straits of Molucca and South China Sea are also favorite spots . Appears like international naval presence has slowed somewhat activity near Somalia . Take a look at : IMB Live Piracy Report , and Live Piracy Map . This is the international clearing house for piracy reporting based in London . As of today have been 221 attacks of various types reported .


Richard C. Schmidt