The high-stakes, unconventional tactics cargo ships use against pirates
In short: When a massive cargo ship is intercepted by fast pirate skiffs, speed and firepower aren't always the answer. This video explores the bizarre, manual-driven defenses used to protect crews in some of the world's most dangerous shipping lanes.
Because large vessels cannot outrun small boats moving at 25 knots, maritime security relies on a specific set of unconventional tactics. These include lashing coils of razor wire taller than kitchen counters to rails with steel cables and re-rigging fire hoses to spray sideways—under strict rules prohibiting anyone from aiming them.
Defenses also involve high-decibel acoustic devices reaching 149 decibels, the use of armed guards who must board from floating armories due to customs restrictions, and even the deployment of a scarecrow. If these fail, crews may be forced to cut power and barricade themselves in steel rooms with only water and satellite phones.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Crazy Techniques Cargo Ships Use to Fight Pirates in the Middle of the Ocean
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