Evasive measures prevent 88 hijacking attempts

Los Angeles: Piracy in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden is bound to increase with the end of the monsoon season, warn the US navy and the international naval force in the Indian Ocean. Attacks are just as likely to take place between the Seychelles and the east coast of Africa, with most incidents occurring at first and last light. The US takes a more aggressive approach to security, allowing the use of armed guards on US flagged vessels. This is discouraged by other countries. Says the US Navy: "Demonstrate a willingness to defend yourself. Do not present an attractive target for attack and do not surrender immediately at the first sign of a threat." Both forces agree on other measures. These include moving at maximum speed, posting extra lookouts (aft lookouts must watch out for small boats approaching from astern), avoiding small boats, maintaining a full visual and radar watch. Physical measures suggested are razor wire strung round the vulnerable areas of the vessel, along with the use of fire hoses, flares and sonic alarms. Since January, evasive manoeuvres have prevented 88 hijacking attempts. This year, there have been 138 pirate attacks on commercial vessels, of which 33 were successful. In 2008, there were 122 pirate attacks with 42 successes. In 2007, there were 19 pirate attacks with 12 successes.