From Voice of America: Pirates May Be Popular in Books and Movies, But Piracy Remains a Threat

In the first three months of 2006, 61 successful or attempted pirate attacks were reported. Fifty-six such attacks were reported in the same time period the year before. Still, many pirate attacks go unreported each year.

In 2005, 35 pirate attacks were reported in Somalia. The International Maritime Bureau says the pirates target both passenger and cargo ships.

In March of 2006, Somali pirates seized 20 Filipino seamen on an oil ship at a southern Somali port. The pirates demanded money from the ship owners for their release. The men were released in July following negotiations for their freedom.

Reports say modern pirates use high-speed motor boats. Most pirates force their way on to the ships, take what they want and are gone within minutes. Sometimes they kill or injure crew members.

Modern-day pirates are difficult to catch. They return to small rivers or ports where there is little or no law enforcement. In some areas, pirates pay local officials to hide them from the law. And many times it is difficult to take any legal action against pirates because their attacks may take place outside any country’s territorial waters.

Pirates are still a major concern for most countries. International efforts continue to catch them and bring them to justice.