There has been a rise in the number of real life pirates marauding key travel routes in the deep seas. And they're not just after the rich and famous on their yachts. These bad guys are attacking fishing boats, gas tankers and even aid ships.
Andrew Linington of the maritime offcers' union noted, "The big worry is that the attacks are getting much more violent," says Andrew Linington, of the maritime officers' union, Numast, which warns about the escalating problem. It's moved on from being maritime muggings, where half a dozen robbers would steal something and escape, to something much more organised with much greater use of weaponry."
This increase was especially noticed just after the Tsunami when at least two ships delivering relief supplies were attacked. And again during April and into May of 2007 there has been another surge in the number of attacks occuring off the coasts of Africa and Thailand.
Real Life Pirates
Sudden Surge In Attacks In 2007
Trend Themes
1. Rise of Maritime Piracy - The increase in pirate attacks presents an opportunity for companies in the maritime security industry to develop and provide new security measures and technologies.
2. Increased Use of Weaponry in Piracy Attacks - The escalation of weaponry use in piracy attacks provides an opportunity for companies in the defence and security industry to create and market new and improved defence systems.
3. Targeting Aid and Relief Ships - The targeting of aid and relief ships by pirates presents an opportunity for companies in the logistics and supply chain industry to develop safer and more secure transportation methods for aid and relief supplies.
Industry Implications
1. Maritime Security - Companies in the maritime security industry can develop and provide new security measures and technologies to combat the rise of piracy.
2. Defence and Security - Companies in the defence and security industry can create and market new and improved defence systems to counter the increasing use of weaponry in piracy attacks.
3. Logistics and Supply Chain - Companies in the logistics and supply chain industry can develop safer and more secure transportation methods for aid and relief supplies to prevent the targeting of aid and relief ships by pirates.