There May Be Trouble Ahead...

A Somali pirate, Abdiwali Abdiqadir Muse, the surviving pirate from the attack on the MAERSK ALABAMA in 2009, is sentenced to over 33 years in prison by U.S. Federal court in New York only last week. The pirate was involved in the kidnap of Captain Philips where two of the fellow pirates were killed by U.S. Navy snipers. During the same week of Muse being sentenced, a report via the Associated Press stated that Somali pirates claimed there would be retaliation against Americans for the sentencing with" regrettable consequences."

US Yacht Quest Hijacked Off Oman

Only a few days after the imprisonment of Muse, the implication that US vessels and citizens would suffer may indeed come about through the hijack of the yacht, SY QUEST, with four US citizens onboard on January 18.


The retired American owners, Jean and Scott Adam, were en route to Salalah, Oman from India as part of their 8 to 10 year 'around-the-world' tour which began in December 2004. According to their website, svquest.com, they were on their way to the Mediterranean via the Red Sea. A competition had been run with the prize of a chance to join them on that leg of the journey, which may account for the fact that there were 4 Americans onboard at the time of the hijack.
The US couple had transited another pirate-rich area during their journey. They had passed through the Malacca Straits without problem, but then the Asian anti-piracy measures are more stringent in that area with the local States combining to reduce pirate activity through greater cooperation and military measures. Admittedly, the sea area is not as vast as the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.

SV Quest (Img: svquest.com)

Some may ask why are yachts still sailing through the region, whilst others say they have every right to do so. Even travelling in convoys does not ensure safety. The military authorities patrolling the region have stated they cannot be everywhere, nor can they guarantee safety for all vessels going through the area.
Surely, the Adam's have the right to go about their business without fear of kidnap? As one of my earlier blogs "Getting away from it all" stated, being "forewarned is forearmed". The need for greater situational awareness continues to be demonstrated by such incidents as this one. However, it is not the sole means to increasing the safety of the seafarers; it is a supporting mechanism to increase cooperation and information exchange, including to the public. The IMO, supported by the UN Secretary General, has launched a new drive to "keep piracy at bay", but how does that work for the private yachts-people? The outrage expressed of late by shipowners is largely due to the effect on profit margins and the economy (oil, oil, oil), as much as it is for the plight of the seafarer. The 'convoys' that are conducted through the Gulf of Aden are aimed at commercial vessels, with those with low freeboard and low speed receiving greater attention as they are the most vulnerable. There is just no simple answer to the immediate problem of piracy, notwithstanding the 'go ashore' solution. The yachts that have been hijacked over the last few years are few, granted, but the fear those kidnapped will share with the other 800-odd seafarers already held is not something anyone wishes to contemplate.


The circumstance of the SV QUEST crew is not known at present, or at least not made public. The possibility of being held as long as the British couple, Paul and Rachel Chandler, is a real concern. The rescue that occurred with the MAERSK ALABAMA is unlikely to be undertaken again due to various reasons, no less the risk to the individuals kidnapped (remember the French yacht 'TANIT'?), but the outrage that will be expressed by the American vox pop will be the most vociferous. The declaration last year that the U.S. will not negotiate with pirates will be 'pressed to test'. Can the government stand against a family wishing to obtain the safe release of their loved ones by the only means they have available?
With reports surfacing about the harsh treatment of some of the hostages held by the pirates, should the Somali pirates decide to make good on their threats of retaliation against US citizens, the already troubled waters may see bigger storms approaching.