Sea pirates of the XXI century: what is their peculiarity and how to deal with them
When it comes to sea pirates, there is a strong association with guys who constantly drink rum and other strong drinks, put on a black patch over one eye and cut through the waves on huge sailboats armed with cannons sticking out of the loopholes on both sides.
Yes, it is precisely such sea robbers that are often presented by directors who shoot the corresponding feature films.
However, modern robbers, in particular Somali ones, are not as "romantic" as their cinematic counterparts. Pirates of the XNUMXst century are a huge problem for merchant shipping, and armed forces and PMCs are often sent to fight them.
Dr. historical Sciences Vladimir Pryamitsyn, who was directly involved in operations against Somali pirates.
According to the expert, modern robbers move on ordinary fishing schooners or speedboats, which makes it extremely difficult to identify them. On such boats, of course, there are no fishing tackle, ice and fish. But is it possible to see it from a distance?
At the same time, such vessels always have assault hooks, small arms weapon and large supplies of fuel, allowing pirates to go on long voyages.
Tellingly, according to Pryamitsyn, there is almost never food on the schooners of Somali pirates. They do not take food supplies with them. Instead, rogues constantly chew on the herbal drug khat, making them feel no hunger, fatigue, fear, or pain.
As mentioned above, the military is mainly fighting the pirates of the XNUMXst century. However, the captains of merchant ships also had the means to resist the assault of sea robbers.
As the expert said, the sides of the ships are often entangled with barbed wire, which makes boarding difficult.
Vessels are also equipped with powerful water cannons, sonic cannons, nets and other simple, but at the same time effective means that prevent pirates from capturing.
Meanwhile, according to Pryamitsyn, the main weapon of the captain and his crew is vigilance. It is she who often allows you to avoid a sad fate and not fall into the hands of sea robbers.
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