The Somali business model involves holding ships and their crews for ransom. It is, therefore, in their best interest to keep the ships and their cargoes intact and crews in good physical health.
West African pirates are concerned only with the refined petroleum cargoes and any harm done to either crew or ships is regarded as collateral damage. If this form of piracy escalates, it is likely to take a far greater toll on human life, as the gangs involved are developing a reputation for cut-throat ruthlessness.
