Private Security Shoot At Somali Pirates Trying To Hijack Ship

A horrifying clip shows the moment private security operatives shoot at a group of pirates trying to hijack a ship.

The clip, from 2011, shows the security guards on a cargo ship that a group of Somali pirates attempt to board.

The men waste no time in opening fire on the pirates who eventually retreat.

Posting the clip on YouTube, Humans At Sea wrote: "The fight between Somali pirates and a Private security guard on board a cargo ship.

"When pirates were trying to board the ship, the security guards fired dozens of rounds at the pirate vessel which eventually retreated."

According to Bloomberg, the video first appeared at a December 2011 shipping conference and was filmed by an employee of private security firm Trident operating aboard the MV Avocet.

Thomas Rothrauff, president of Trident Group, told Bloomberg the guards' actions were in 'full compliance with rules for use of force'.

He said it was the ship's second attack by pirates in 72 hours and confirmed that the pirates were returning fire.

Humans At Sea

Thankfully, attacks by pirates are now at an all-time low - with 2019 seeing fewer incidents than any other year prior to 1994.

And during the first three months of 2021 there was just one incident of reported piracy around Somalia.

A crew based the Gulf of Aden reported a skiff with armed persons and a ladder approaching, but, much like in the clip above, the onboard armed security team fired off some warning shots prompting the boat to move away.

Despite the downwards trend, the ICC International Maritime Bureau warned seafarers to be vigilant, particularly if they are travelling through the Gulf of Guinea.

Humans At Sea

IMB Director Michael Howlett said: "Pirates operating within the Gulf of Guinea are well-equipped to attack further away from shorelines and are unafraid to take violent action against innocent crews.

"It's critical that seafarers remain cautious and vigilant when travelling in nearby waters and report all incidents to the Regional Authorities and the IMB PRC.

"Only improved knowledge sharing channels and increased collaboration between maritime response authorities will reduce the risk to seafarers in the region."

Topics: Interesting, crime

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

@ClaireReid19