Pirates on the Open Seas. Arrgh.
Pirates ! April 2009. I thought this went by the wayside of myths except for when Disney brings the subject back every thirty years to resurrect and cash in with kid films, once more.
Not true for Richard Phillips, sea Captain of the Maersk Alabama, when his shipped was boarded by Somali Pirates and Captain Phillips was taken hostage at gun point, April 2009.
Three pirates were killed by US Navy Seals and the fourth pirate was taken into custody. Thus creating a new line of protection for the Security and Insurance industries. Some shipping companies are staying away from the shipping zone. Some insurance companies are now requiring additional coverage for its shipping companies called “War Zone” coverage.
The Gulf of Arden has more than 100 ships daily pass by the “Pirate Infested” waters according to an article in the South African “News 24”. Unarmed security is being provided by G4S, a security company doing business in more than 100 countries. Other security companies are charging a fee of $45,000 to escort the cargo vessels.
October 2007, Ransom was the subject when the Japanese cargo ship “Golden Nori” was hijacked by Somali Pirates. With a load of benzene, the pirates were demanding 5 million US dollars before they would turn the ship back over to its owners.
Danger: Benzene is flammable, lethal and cancerous. Benzene targets the liver, kidney, lung, heart & brain. Benzene will also cause DNA strands to break and chromosomal damage.
The US Environmental Protection Agency has set the maximum amount of benzene in drinking water at 0.005 milligrams per Liter of water. Any spill of 10 pounds or more requires to be reported to the EPA.
G4S Plc, founded in 1903, is one of the world’s largest companies providing Maritime security and other Risk Management Services.
Carl Slicer, blog editor, www.BestHire.com .
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