Lisa Simpson
Aug 18,2009
In: Finance

Problem of Somali Pirates Raised Questions About Arming Merchant Ships Leading to Further Expenses

captain-phillips

Captain Richard Phillips is the hero captain who has returned home safely after being held hostage by Somali pirates. The repeated problems of Somali pirates have made Phillips raise the issue of arming ship officers. Invariably this will lead to more shipping expenses that will ultimately be passed on to the consumers and the economy. Phillips was speaking to the Congress last April. He said that commercial vessels passing through bandit waters should be armed for protection of the crew as well as the cargo.

Phillips speaking to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, categorically said, “One solution is not going to solve this problem. Nevertheless, I do believe that arming the crew, as part of an overall strategy, could provide an effective deterrent under certain circumstances.”

Phillips in his early fifties, was held captive for five full days in a lifeboat near the Somalia coast after he surrendered to the pirates who had got on to his ship – Maersk Alabama on 8th April 2009. The surrender allowed the escape of the second in command of the ship Shane Murphy and his crew. They too attended the hearing. Phillips was saved after five days by naval snipers on board USS Bainbridge. Three of the captors were killed. One captor was taken prisoner.

The captain spoke at a hearing of the Congress to find a solution to the waves of piracy that has plagued this part of the ocean off the Horn of Africa. Nearly 300 non-USA crew members on as many has 18 hijacked ships are being held captive by Somalis. Somalia is a poor country rife with lawlessness. It provides a safe haven for piracy and taking of vessels to press for ransom demands.

Phillips did not elaborate on the incident of Maersk Alabama because one of the pirates is being tried in New York. Phillips opined that he was for training and arming at least four of the top officers aboard vessels or bringing on to it members of Special Forces. He thought that three military veterans with their training and expertise would be sufficient to tackle the menace.

The senators were one with the views of Phillip and said that the senior members of the crew should be equipped with arms to face up to the grim situation. Senator Jim Webb (Democrat) said, “We have an inherent right to self-defense in international waters.”