That’s right,  THE PIRATES ARE HERE …. to stay!

Minus the wooden leg, screeching parrot, and eye patch, the Somali pirates have swept the high seas.  True buccaneers of the 21st century,  swords and cannons are replaced by RPG-7 launchers and assault rifles. Not to mention the high speedboats that chase down large ships in a matter of minutes.

And these pirates don’t discriminate between  victims, be it U.S., French, Chinese, Indian, or even African vessels.  In fact, the ships and their cargo is no what is valuable, but rather the people on board who are ransomed  off for booty.  Much to everyone’s surprise, the Somali pirates have earned a reputation for peaceful conduct, for the most part.   Once captured, it would appear no one makes a visit to Davy Jones’ Locker.

Meanwhile, Somali pirates hijacked a yacht with four Americans on board Friday afternoon in the Indian Ocean.

“serous concern”

Surely, the time for concern is over, and the time for action should be …. right about now.  Especially with the recent sentencing of a Somali pirate who brutally attacked a U.S. merchant ship captain.

If that does not raise a flag then this should.  It is reported that Somali piracy is currently at its HIGHEST levels, “with more than 40 ships and 800 seamen currently held.”