How cargo ships fight Pirates WITHOUT GUNS!

Cargo ships employ unique strategies to defend against armed pirates. You might wonder: how can water combat AK-47s? Surprisingly, water cannons are effective in dissuading pirates. While they may seem inadequate, they often prevent boarding attempts. If pirates succeed, the consequences can be dire. Hostage situations can last weeks, or even years.

Consider the Somali pirates' audacious attack on a US Navy Cruiser and Destroyer. Why don’t commercial ships just equip themselves with real weapons? What's behind the effectiveness of incredibly loud speakers against pirates, even when earplugs are worn? What if all else fails? Let’s dive deeper.

Most commercial ships utilize a two-layer defense against piracy. The first layer is about discouragement. This is akin to placing security cameras around your home. While cameras don’t physically stop intruders, they can deter potential threats. The second layer focuses on anti-boarding measures. Think of this as a security gate, making unauthorized entry much trickier.

To discourage pirates, crew members can use various tactics. They can deploy dummy figures to create an illusion of a larger crew. Lasers can confuse pirates’ vision as they close in. Increasing the ship’s speed is another strategy. A fast-moving vessel is tougher for pirates to board.

Long-range Acoustic Devices (LRADs) serve as a formidable deterrent. When suspicious boats are spotted, crews can communicate through the LRADs. If that fails, an extremely loud tone—akin to standing behind a jet engine—can be projected towards the boat. Surprisingly, earplugs provide little protection; vibrations travel through bones and still reach the inner ear. This intense discomfort might force pirates to abandon their plans.

However, determined pirates may retaliate by targeting the LRADs. Here, the second layer of anti-boarding equipment comes into play. One effective method involves shooting a rope across the water, which can entangle engines. For cargo ships, this translates to a series of trailing wires on the sides. This simple mechanism can stall pirates and make them reconsider their approach.

Water cannons add a powerful layer of defense. Their pressure can deter pirates, similar to riot control measures. Some are remotely operated, allowing the crew to strike safely. Various types can shoot water in numerous directions or rotate to create a continuous spray.

Incorporating water curtains further complicates boarding attempts. These designed systems unleash unpredictable high-pressure water jets. Their chaotic movement can inflict pain and hinder climbers. Barbed or razor wire serves yet another layer of protection, easily deployed when needed. Alternatively, safety barriers, affixed to the vessel’s sides, prevent pirates from attaching ladders.

Notably, these methods focus on thwarting small boat attacks. However, pirates have evolved. On November 19, 2023, a helicopter laid siege to the Israeli-owned Galaxy Leader. Armed Houthi rebels descended unexpectedly and took the crew hostage. Was there a defense against such an aerial approach?

In a hijacking scenario, the crew's best option after attackers board is to contact authorities and isolate themselves in a secured area. Most pirates lack the skills to operate the vessel, diminishing their leverage. Yet, on the Galaxy Leader, the element of surprise eliminated this possibility entirely.

This cargo ship, devoid of cars at the time, drew the attention of Houthi rebels for politically motivated reasons. By January 2024, they anchored the ship off Yemen, transforming it into a bizarre tourist attraction. In contrast, traditional pirates possess different motives. Somali pirates, for instance, aim to demand ransoms, evidenced by their notorious 2008 hijacking of the Faina, which resulted in a $3.2 million payout.

In the Gulf of Guinea, however, piracy is often cargo-driven, with pirates holding hostages until shipments are transferred. Strategies exist to minimize these threats. Following repeated Houthi attacks, many ships now navigate around Africa instead of through the Red Sea. This rerouting extends travel times and increases costs.

The allure of arming crew members with firearms is tempting but fraught with complications. Merchant vessels generally follow the regulations of their flag state concerning weapons. As ships travel internationally, legal barriers emerge. Crew members are trained to operate the vessel, not engage in combat, resembling the debate over arming school teachers against potential threats.

Consequently, private security firms are often employed in high-risk zones. These teams are scrutinized by Port State Control, facilitating passage through various waters. When piracy escalates, naval forces often step in. In the early 21st century, Somali piracy surged dramatically. By 2011, the consequences were staggering, amounting to $18 billion in economic losses.

In response, American forces began actively pursuing pirate activities. A notable clash occurred on March 18, 2006, when Somali pirates attacked US naval vessels, prompting retaliatory fire. This mission highlights the historical role of navies in securing