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Int'l Pirate Patrols Spar With Language Barriers

Diverse crews learn to communicate

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 8, 2009 2:25 PM CDT

(Newser) – The international fleet patrolling for pirates off the coast of Somalia is on guard against an oceanic traffic jam, too, the Military Times reports. One US admiral likened the problem to young soccer players swarming the ball, saying communications were necessary for an efficient response. There are three separate international forces in the region, as well as ships from countries seeking to protect their own shipping.

A US-formed task force, a NATO operation, and an EU fleet all operate in the region and have developed a protocol to coordinate action. “This is an excellent example of international coordination,” a British commodore said. The case of China, whose navy is defending its shipping interests, is slightly different. “We just email communications with the Chinese navy’s Yahoo account,” a Navy spokeswoman said. “What’s working really well is unclassified chat.”

South Korean Navy sailors salute in front of the destroyer Great King Munmu, which will be sent to pirate-infested Somali waters.
South Korean Navy sailors salute in front of the destroyer "Great King Munmu," which will be sent to pirate-infested Somali waters.   (AP Photo)
Sailors and Royal Marines from the Royal Navy frigate HMS Portland intercept and board a pirate vessel.
Sailors and Royal Marines from the Royal Navy frigate HMS Portland intercept and board a pirate vessel.   (AP Photo)
Nivose, a French frigate serving in the international fleet trying to protect shipping in the Gulf of Aden.
Nivose, a French frigate serving in the international fleet trying to protect shipping in the Gulf of Aden.   (AP Photo)
Two Chinese destroyers headed for the Gulf of Aden.
Two Chinese destroyers headed for the Gulf of Aden.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
jaguarj
Jun 8, 2009 9:10 AM CDT
Word must have gotten out....haven't heard of any piracy for weeks now! It's about time.

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