Thanks to Matt for sending me this story. You know, acts like this and the killings of four Americans only reinforce the idea that these pirates are ‘not rational’. Meaning, pirates have no code of conduct or laws governing how they operate. All they care about is protecting their business and making money. So to them, keeping Indian hostages is a message to the Indian government and people to not threaten that business model with anti-piracy operations or having armed security on boats.
This also changes the game now. For those companies thinking that ransoms are a surefire way of getting their people back, think again. Pirates are irrational business partners, and as they continue to get pressure from anti-piracy forces, they will continue to get more irrational. The point being, spend the money on security, and do not give a larger sum of money to a pirate industry. Fuel the Defense Industry, while starving the pirate’s Offense Industry. –Matt
Somali Pirates Keep Indian Hostages After Paid Ransom
April 15, 2011
A Somali pirate says pirates are holding on to Indian hostages even after a ransom was paid in retaliation for recent arrests by the Indian Navy.
The pirate, Hassan Farah, said the pirates in the stronghold of Haradhere have taken that collective decision.
A ransom was dropped Friday for the release of the ship Asphalt Venture and its crew. The non-Indian crew members were released. (more…)