With the continued rise in piracy incidents off the Horn of Africa and now stretching out ever further into the Indian Ocean serious counter-action is required. Of course this is largely defeated by recreational yachtsman continuing to sail in the area in spite of repeated warnings by Anti-Piracy Forces. While there might be a legal right for this recreational sailing it is in a war zone and therefore highly irresponsible. For yachtsman to sail with boxes of Christian Bibles and now a family with their children only makes the efforts of the Naval Force impossibly difficult. Just this week the Somali pirates murdered four (4) amateur yachtsmen and captured seven (7) persons three (3) of whom are children aged 12 to 16, which they have threatened to murder should any rescue attempt be made. Just how is the Naval Force Commander supposed to deal with that situation, yet this family has put their children, two (2) sons and one (1) daughter, in this dreadful position.
As a father and grandfather NAUTICAL LOG is greatly distressed and horrified. Putting our money where our mouth is we have written this morning to the President of The United States of America to act on the behalf of all seafarers both professional and recreational. Piracy laws have existed internationally for centuries and it is a matter of governments applying that Maritime Law - piracy is a hanging offence.
We would request all our readers to click on the link provided www.saveourseafarers.com/ . This will in turn lead you to the website and show you how you can help by sending a pre-written letter to your own national government. Here at NAUTICAL LOG we received the link from Sweden this morning and are doing our part to put into effect this international campaign.
Please help by visiting the SOS website and clicking for that letter, perhaps the first lives we save will be those three Danish kids, Rune, Hjalte and Naja.
Good Watch.
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