Air and Rope to Defend Against Pirates

BCB has created the Buccaneer, a ship-based device that uses compressed air and a rope or net to stop pirates in their tracks. The Buccanner is fires and when the prop of the pirates' boat runs over it, it becomes entangled and the boat stops. As a commenter mentions, it probably won't do anything for jet ski type craft. A good idea, but how long until the pirates add jet skis to their fleets

When Piracy Goes Wall Street

The Somali pirates have implemented a plan that is pure genius. They have set up a stock exchange where anyone can invest in one of (currently) 72 "companies". If a company you have invested in gets ransom money, you profit. Not only does this help fund the pirate activities, but it gives the local people a reason to support the pirates. On top of this, the pirates share the ransom money to help pay for items such as hospitals and schools. While I don't condone the actions of the Somali pirates, I understand that they are trying to prevent further destruction of their waters and get reparation for the damage already done.

Arrrrrrgh, Matey?

We were discussing the hijacking of a Saudi oil tanker by pirates at Guys Night Out last night. I wonder if the pirates understand they'd be a perfect target for Obama to prove he is "tough in foreign policy" without actually having to wage war. Or for Bush to have something on his legacy that doesn't require Congressional approval. One detachment of marines and suddenly the vessel is "liberated" and all the USA would be doing is enforcing international law.

My advice to the pirates. Get while the getting is good.