‘Pirates increasingly brutal’

Pirates are becoming increasingly brutal as the widespread use of armed security teams on vessels has cut the level of successful hijackings, Norden says.

The Danish owner, which deploys guards with guns when necessary, believes pirates are starting to put up more of a fight when shots are fired in their direction.

“Unfortunately, it can also be noted that the Somalian pirates are more active and that their attacks have become more brutal – now they do not flee when warning shots are fired at them, they shoot back,” its latest newsletter explained.

“Pirates have become desperate in their fight for crews and vessels and thereby ransom money.”

Norden reveals one of its vessels has been attacked and two others have experienced attempted attacks.

Flemming Dahl Jensen, who heads the company’s anti-piracy effort, said: “This emphasises that our fight against piracy must be given high priority.

“But we do not wish to convert our vessels into sailing Fort Knoxs.”

Norden first voiced its intention to deploy armed guards in March this year.

In April chairman Mogens Hugo also suggests the use of armed guards on board ship was a “sign of failure” which was sometimes necessary.

Describing pirates as simple criminals, he said navies should raise their game to prevent attacks on ships.

Hugo said: “Here and now it is a question of only one thing; that is to eliminate the pirates’ mother ships, limit their scope of operating and force then back to the coast where an effective coast guard should be established.”

He added: “The effort requires significant naval forces with a clear mandate. It is alpha and omega right now. Everything else is either stopgaps or pipedreams.”

Printable version Newsletter sign up