Somali pirates head south-west
by Nancy Knudsen, Cruising Editor on 9 Apr 2009
Three-year-old Colin Lemacon, held captive by Somali pirates. SW
Heading the news today is the story of the third yacht that has been hijacked by Somali pirates in as many weeks, making 2009 already the worst for yachts in terms of the number of yachts seized.
It is significant that the three latest hijacks, which have now resulted in 15 sailors, 10 Seychellois and five French citizens being held as hostages, including a three-year-old baby, did NOT occur in the traditional pirate-zone waters between Somalia and Yemen. Neither did the attempted hijack of the latest American ship Maersk Alabama, which was in the Indian Ocean 300 miles from the coast.
It underscores the belief that these business-minded pirates have headed south and away from the coast to avoid clashing with the navies of the many countries who now patrol the region
It is also significant that no yachts that have either sailed close to the Yemeni shore where Yemeni coastguard are in control, or used the defined and closely guarded shipping corridor have encountered pirates.
With Easter upon us, speeding boaters are being warned, at least in New South Wales, that speeding won't be tolerated, and let's hope that new $5,500 speeding fine may just keep a few speed hogs in control when they are in no-wash zones. I really do NOT like my champagne being constantly spilt when I am enjoying the sunset after a brisk sail!
The Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney has a great display to keep kids of all ages amused during Easter, and, if you are looking for somewhere new to berth your boat, D'Albora have a great new offer.
Peter Salisbury continues his down-to-earth article on fitting out a new cruising boat, and the product of the week is the simple hand pump, a light and easy tool to carry on a boat with a multiplicity of uses.
The most charismatic story of the week is about a spoiled and much loved family dog who fell off the family sailing boat off the coast of Mackay. Despite a long frantic search, the dog was finally given up for drowned. After grieving, the family even bought another dog. But then, a few months later, a miracle happened....
Lots of other news and articles too, so read on, enjoy, and...
Smooth sailing during the Easterbreak!
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