In discussing our trip with landlubbers, invariably questions arise about pirates: Are there really pirates in current times? Are we concerned for our safety? Where are the pirates? Do we have gun aboard? What would we do if we were captured? In fact, concern about pirates is the most frequent topic of inquiry about our trip following the discussion of the high price of diesel fuel.
Pirates have been in the headlines recently for their activities off the coast of Africa and have therefore brought this concern to the forefront of the people following the Lolligag Adventures. Our daughters, especially Beth, have worried about our capture by pirates ever since we first told them about our desire to make this trip. So in a vain attempt to reassure the girls and to answer often posed questions, I will share my thoughts regarding the modern day pirate problem within the Western Hemisphere.
Yes, there are pirates upon the seas today. Yes, they are a legitimate concern. Yes, every serious boater should be aware of the possibility of a pirate encounter and have a plan in place for such an encounter.
However, the reality is that the Lolligag being of interest to or being boarded by pirates is extremely slim. Like in the days of old, modern pirates are looking for a “go fast boat” that will allow them to easily maneuver and escape from legal authorities. Nordic Tugs simply do not fit that description. In the past, as well as today, transporting contraband has always been the way that pirates make their living. While the cargo may differ, the techniques and practices are much the same today as in centuries past. Today most pirates are running drugs, guns or smuggling people and the need for a fast vessel is imperative in the pirate world. With a top sustainable speed of 11 knots (12.5 mph), our Nordic is not going anywhere fast – for Nordic owners, this is the charm of a tug, not a liability. For a pirate however, being pokey is simply not an option.
No, we do not have a gun aboard nor would we even consider having one. Neither Captain Mark nor I have ever shot a gun in our entire lives and quite frankly, they scare me to death (pun intended). Even if we had a gun in our possession, would this really prevent our capture by pirates? I don’t think so. I am certain that the weapons of the pirate ship would be more effective and sophisticated than anything we would own. So…what would we do? We would do whatever we needed to do in order to save our lives or the Lolligag. We would react just as we would in a home invasion or a carjacking – if we have something they want, they can have it so long as we remain safe.
Lastly and more assuredly, there are very few pirates within the open continental waters of the United States and Canada as shown on the world-wide piracy map. In fact, like the alleged black bears of Alabama or my mythical aunt Brenda, I have yet to see a single one…Mariners are most likely to meet pirates in the Gulf of Mexico or the waters off Central and South America and the Caribbean. In these open waters the illegal actions will not be easily seen by other boaters or the police patrols. Common sense and good maritime practices should prevail when traveling in these areas: Travel with a buddy boat, record a “flight plan” with the departing and destination port authorities and be observant to one’s environment.
As I attempt to reassure Beth, I explain that the likelihood of her parents being kidnapped or killed by pirates is minimal at best. The odds of her winning the Hoosier Lottery are certainly greater than the Lolligag having a pirate encounter. HOWEVER, if pirates got wind of the large yarn stash and cheap wine that I have in abundance aboard the Lolligag, then we might have a different scenario altogether.
