A recent AP story reports that the Somali pirate party may have come to an end. Their haul this year has been five successful raids, as opposed to 47 in 2010. The international efforts to protect ships sailing around the Horn of Africa has obviously paid off. While it lasted, the party was a good one for pirates. The hangover is going to be intense in Puntland. "The empty whiskey bottles and overturned, sand-filled skiffs that litter this once-bustling shoreline. Most of the prostitutes are gone, the luxury cars repossessed. Pirates talk more about catching lobsters than seizing cargo ships." -- Party over for Somali Pirates? --AP.
Former pirates are moving on to look for steadier employment. It was a dangerous business after all, with many losing their lives at sea in battles with armed ship captains or foul weather. Inflation has receded along the coast, which is good news for those not involved in piracy. Hopefully the lobster bounty will replace kidnapping bounties. But with the lure of quick and easy money, I wouldn't be surprised if some of these former pirates turned to the equally lucrative khat business instead.
For those of you fascinated with piracy, judging by the latest live piracy reports, Indonesia is the latest hotspot to watch out for.
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