Bonny Dick chases pirate scum.

[Sailor]

You read it right, PIRATES in the 21st Century.

USS Bonhomme Richard Chases Pirates Away from Fishermen

ABOARD USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea (NNS) -- After answering a bridge-to-bridge distress call from a Kuwaiti fisherman Feb. 17, multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (BHR) (LHD 6) chased two pirate boats away from a group of fishing dhows in the Persian Gulf.

BHR received the call when a fishing boat was seized by a group of pirates in Boston whalers. Bonhomme Richard made best speed in pursuit of the pirates, chasing them away from the group of dhows.

According to BHR Commanding Officer Capt. J. Scott Jones, just the presence of the big deck amphibious ship was enough to scare the bandits away.

www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=17186

I was researching a Barbary Pirates story for the THC 1812 board when I tripped over this.

Some things never really change.

[dustdevil28]

Sailor said:

You read it right, PIRATES in the 21st Century.

USS Bonhomme Richard Chases Pirates Away from Fishermen

ABOARD USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea (NNS) -- After answering a bridge-to-bridge distress call from a Kuwaiti fisherman Feb. 17, multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (BHR) (LHD 6) chased two pirate boats away from a group of fishing dhows in the Persian Gulf.

BHR received the call when a fishing boat was seized by a group of pirates in Boston whalers. Bonhomme Richard made best speed in pursuit of the pirates, chasing them away from the group of dhows.

According to BHR Commanding Officer Capt. J. Scott Jones, just the presence of the big deck amphibious ship was enough to scare the bandits away.

www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=17186

I was researching a Barbary Pirates story for the THC 1812 board when I tripped over this.

Some things never really change.

A dhow is just a old wooden style fishing boat, shouldn't the BHR be able to catchup with these Bucs, rather than merly chase them?

I'll guess since they were running away they figured to just let it go.

[Sailor]

battleborn said:

A dhow is just a old wooden style fishing boat, shouldn't the BHR be able to catchup with these Bucs, rather than merly chase them?

I'll guess since they were running away they figured to just let it go.

True, a dhow isn't built for speed...but the "pirates" were using Boston Whalers, many of which can reach speeds well over 30 knots.

BHR is an LHD class amphibious assault ship similar to the LHA I finished my career in. Top speed going down hill with a hefty tail wind is 24 knots. She carries helicopters, but unless the bad guys are stupid enough to shoot at them their rules of engagement prevent firing first.

[dustdevil28]

Sailor said:

True, a dhow isn't built for speed...but the "pirates" were using Boston Whalers, many of which can reach speeds well over 30 knots.

BHR is an LHD class amphibious assault ship similar to the LHA I finished my career in. Top speed going down hill with a hefty tail wind is 24 knots. She carries helicopters, but unless the bad guys are stupid enough to shoot at them their rules of engagement prevent firing first.

24 knots is the highest? I didn't think they could reach 35 or anything, but I though 28 or high twenties, oh well.

Yeah, I figured that they weren't going to actually do anything unless fired upon first. I don't think those men wo be so dumb as to shoot at a big grey ship looming towards them.

I am a little surprised that pirates would target dhows though. Doesn't seem like a whole lot of money can be gained.

[Sailor]

battleborn said:

24 knots is the highest? I didn't think they could reach 35 or anything, but I though 28 or high twenties, oh well.

Well, their mission doesn't require anything more. These silly things are designed more for carrying capacity than speed. At 100,000 hp their engines only produce as much power as an 8,000 ton destroyers does.

I am a little surprised that pirates would target dhows though. Doesn't seem like a whole lot of money can be gained.

Why does ANY thief steal? 'Cause it's easier to get it that way.

Besides the Persian Gulf, pirates are also working the waters around Eastern Africa, Indonesia, Thailand, well hell - most of Southeast Asia using the same kind of "board and grab" techniques. The prey they hunt is larger off Indonesia, they board and stop merchant ships of all sizes with a preference for container ships. They board these things, take them out of the shipping lanes and force the officers to go through the manifests to find the containers with the richest goodies (electronics are always popular.) Most of these ships are loaded with up to 4,000 containers so there is usually something worth snatching.

Plus they rob the crew of money, jewelry, watches and rummage through the crew staterooms.

They wouldn't do it if it wasn't profitable.

[dustdevil28]

Sailor said:

Besides the Persian Gulf, pirates are also working the waters around Eastern Africa, Indonesia, Thailand, well hell - most of Southeast Asia using the same kind of "board and grab" techniques. The prey they hunt is larger off Indonesia, they board and stop merchant ships of all sizes with a preference for container ships. They board these things, take them out of the shipping lanes and force the officers to go through the manifests to find the containers with the richest goodies (electronics are always popular.) Most of these ships are loaded with up to 4,000 containers so there is usually something worth snatching.

Plus they rob the crew of money, jewelry, watches and rummage through the crew staterooms.

They wouldn't do it if it wasn't profitable.

Ahh yes. I do remember hearing about the piracy in the straits of Malacca. When US Naval vessals pass through there they often tell their personal standing watch to be especially watchfull at night. They (the pirates) won't be stupid enough to take on a naval vessal, but a night they may mistake it for a merchant vessal.

[Sailor]

battleborn said:

Ahh yes. I do remember hearing about the piracy in the straits of Malacca. When US Naval vessals pass through there they often tell their personal standing watch to be especially watchfull at night. They (the pirates) won't be stupid enough to take on a naval vessal, but a night they may mistake it for a merchant vessal.

At night with no moon, how are you going to tell a Navy oiler or supply ship from a midsize merchant? Easy, the Navy ship shows only navigation lights (reds and greens) while the merchant also has the deck and most of the superstructure lit up so crew can work safely at night.

Most Navy vessels nowadays including supply ships have .50 cal machineguns and 25mm chainguns mounted and manned in those waters. Merchants normally don't even have small arms for the crew.

[Remey688]

battleborn said:

Ahh yes. I do remember hearing about the piracy in the straits of Malacca. When US Naval vessals pass through there they often tell their personal standing watch to be especially watchfull at night. They (the pirates) won't be stupid enough to take on a naval vessal, but a night they may mistake it for a merchant vessal.

As sailor pointed out. It would be the pirates last mistake on earth to try an armed boarding of a USN vessel regardless of type or discription.

[Sailor]

Remey688 said:

As sailor pointed out. It would be the pirates last mistake on earth to try an armed boarding of a USN vessel regardless of type or discription.

Just as it was back in the "good old days" of Captain Kidd and Blackbeard, piracy is a very Darwinian career. You rarely get to make a second mistake. Many of those countries still EXECUTE pirates.

[Sailor]

Norfolk-based destroyer wards off suspected piracy near Somalia

By JACK DORSEY, The Virginian-Pilot
© June 9, 2005

The Norfolk-based guided missile destroyer Gonzalez, using machine gun fire, rocket flares and searchlights, helped ward off a suspected pirate attack of a civilian ship in the Indian Ocean.

The Gonzalez received word of the attack in a radio call from the master of the motor vessel Tigris early Monday off the coast of Somalia, the Navy said Wednesday in a release from the 5th Fleet in Bahrain.

The master "sounded extremely scared," provided his position and requested immediate assistance, according to Cmdr. Jeffrey Griffin, the Gonzalez's captain.

As the Gonzalez made its best speed toward the raiders, it let the pirates know its presence by firing .50-caliber machine guns, turning on searchlights, and firing flares in the direction of the attack to illuminate the area, the Navy said.

"I believe that Gonzalez's very overt approach was likely observed by pirates, who then broke off contact on Tigris," Griffin said.

The Gonzalez remains in the area conducting maritime security operation while monitoring the Tigris' passage.

No nationality, size or further description of the Tigris was available. Neither was there a description of the number of alleged pirates or how they escaped.

The Gonzalez, like other U.S. and coalition ships assigned to the area, are responsible for denying international terrorists use of the sea for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material, the Navy said.

The Gonzalez left Norfolk March 25, as part of the amphibious assault ship Kearsarge Expeditionary Strike Group.

Piracy, particularly in the South East Asian region, remains a significant problem, according to the Daily International Vessel Casualties & Pirates Daily Report, on a Web site compiled by the law offices of Countryman & McDaniel, of Los Angeles.

Small tankers, slow moving tugs and barges and even large bulk carriers continue to be attacked, the Web site noted. In some cases, ship officers and crews have been kidnapped and shipowners held for ransom to secure their release.

END ARTICLE

This is the second occurance in a little over 2 months that I've read of. The last was USS BONHOMME RICHARD (LHD 6) breaking up that assault by a bunch of Blackbeard Wannabe's in Boston Whalers trying to take a dhow (small merchant.)

The more things change, the more they stay the same. 207 years after CONSTITUTION first tasted salt water we're STILL chasing pirates.

[cameron]

Sailor that was all very interesting reading, I never had any idea that pirates still existed in the modern world. Thank you for sharing the news articles, a real eye opener for me.

[dustdevil28]

robertfollette said:

Norfolk-based destroyer wards off suspected piracy near Somalia

By JACK DORSEY, The Virginian-Pilot
© June 9, 2005

The Norfolk-based guided missile destroyer Gonzalez, using machine gun fire, rocket flares and searchlights, helped ward off a suspected pirate attack of a civilian ship in the Indian Ocean.

The Gonzalez received word of the attack in a radio call from the master of the motor vessel Tigris early Monday off the coast of Somalia, the Navy said Wednesday in a release from the 5th Fleet in Bahrain.

The master "sounded extremely scared," provided his position and requested immediate assistance, according to Cmdr. Jeffrey Griffin, the Gonzalez's captain.

As the Gonzalez made its best speed toward the raiders, it let the pirates know its presence by firing .50-caliber machine guns, turning on searchlights, and firing flares in the direction of the attack to illuminate the area, the Navy said.

"I believe that Gonzalez's very overt approach was likely observed by pirates, who then broke off contact on Tigris," Griffin said.

The Gonzalez remains in the area conducting maritime security operation while monitoring the Tigris' passage.

No nationality, size or further description of the Tigris was available. Neither was there a description of the number of alleged pirates or how they escaped.

The Gonzalez, like other U.S. and coalition ships assigned to the area, are responsible for denying international terrorists use of the sea for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material, the Navy said.

The Gonzalez left Norfolk March 25, as part of the amphibious assault ship Kearsarge Expeditionary Strike Group.

Piracy, particularly in the South East Asian region, remains a significant problem, according to the Daily International Vessel Casualties & Pirates Daily Report, on a Web site compiled by the law offices of Countryman & McDaniel, of Los Angeles.

Small tankers, slow moving tugs and barges and even large bulk carriers continue to be attacked, the Web site noted. In some cases, ship officers and crews have been kidnapped and shipowners held for ransom to secure their release.

END ARTICLE

This is the second occurance in a little over 2 months that I've read of. The last was USS BONHOMME RICHARD (LHD 6) breaking up that assault by a bunch of Blackbeard Wannabe's in Boston Whalers trying to take a dhow (small merchant.)

The more things change, the more they stay the same. 207 years after CONSTITUTION first tasted salt water we're STILL chasing pirates.

Good article Sailor,

Maybe one of these days the Pirates will be crazy enough to put up a fight.

[Sailor]

cameron said:

Sailor that was all very interesting reading, I never had any idea that pirates still existed in the modern world. Thank you for sharing the news articles, a real eye opener for me.

Piracy is the worlds 3rd oldest profession, following selling tail and politics (nearly as profitable as the first and more honorable than the 2nd.) I think Cap'n Noah was the only sailor who never had to worry about them.

On wrinkle that has popped back up (the SouthEast Asian pirates) is kidnapping of company executives or ship's owners. Often large merchants have a stateroom or two set aside for the owner or company bigwigs to utilize which they often do on some of the short to medium length routes, either traveling on business (cheaper than flying plus insight on company operations) or pleasure (treatment of company execs rivals some cruise lines AND no crush of tourists.)

The ransoms demanded are rapidly paid and are now part of the insurance policies these companies carry with Lloyds. I don't expect this lucrative activity to be dropped anytime soon.

[Sailor]

battleborn said:

robertfollette said:

Norfolk-based destroyer wards off suspected piracy near Somalia

Good article Sailor,

Maybe one of these days the Pirates will be crazy enough to put up a fight.

They'd have to be considerably high on something with more Umph to it than crack. Who'd be stupid enough to try to take on an 8000 ton destroyer that could probably either sink you with 1 - 5" shell, chop your boat to pieces with 50 cal or 25mm fire or just turn you into shark bait by running your boat bodily under and sucking you through those fast turning 17 foot propellors.

Personally, I prefer using the 50 cal or 25mm Bushmaster. Both are fun!

[Sailor]

I found this article this morning and thought it worth tacking up here along with the "Bonnie Dick" story.

And yes guys, Long John Silver is alive and well and doing his nefarious work off the African coast (at least in spirit.)

'High-risk areas for hijacking'
08/06/2005 22:22 - (SA)

Nairobi - The International Maritime Board (IMB) has boosted its piracy warning for the coast of lawless Somalia after two recent violent attacks, including one this week in which a United States naval destroyer intervened.

The board, a division of the International Chamber of Commerce, said the new attacks, the fourth and fifth off the Somali coast in three months, underscored the danger to mariners in the area and renewed a warning for transiting vessels to avoid the region.

"The eastern and northeastern coasts of Somalia continue to be high-risk areas for hijackings," it said in its weekly piracy report issued on Tuesday.

"Ships not making scheduled calls to ports in these areas should stay away from the coast," it said, noting that all five incidents since March 31 had involved armed pirates who, in at least two cases, took crews hostage.

Surge in piracy

Both the IMB and the US, which issues its own maritime threat assessments, warned of a surge in piracy in Somali waters in April after the first three attacks.

They have repeated those alerts regularly but not until this week had either mentioned new attacks.

The last reported attack took place on Monday in waters off the Somalia capital of Mogadishu in which three gunmen in a white speedboat opened fire on an unidentified bulk carrier with automatic weapons, the IMB said.

The USS Gonzalez, a US naval ship in the area, responded to the vessel's distress call, came close, fired flares and escorted the carrier further out to sea, it said.

There were "no injuries to crew but gunfire by pirates caused 10 bullet holes on the starboard side near the bridge", the IMB said in its brief description of the incident.

The second most recent and possibly more serious attack took place off Somalia's eastern coast on May 22 when pirates boarded and hijacked a cargo ship, beating up 21 crewmembers, locking them in a room and demanding a ransom for their release, it said.

"Further news is awaited" on that incident, the IMB said.

An earlier hostage crisis involving a ship hijacked in April was resolved last month, reportedly as a US naval ship observed.