Gurkhas repelled a pirate attack on a cruise ship off the coast of Somalia on Monday:
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| Keep ya head down |
“They launched two rocket-propelled grenades in our direction, one of which hit the ship about 10 feet from our cabin…” [Link]… the world’s largest cruise line didn’t carry firearms, but had defenses like pepper spray. He said the company’s security staff recruited heavily among Gurkhas, elite Nepalese soldiers renowned for their fearlessness. [Link]
“This time the head of security was an ex-Gurkha from Nepal, and he made some good quick decisions…” [Link]
The stealthiest soldiers now man the loudest weapons:
“On the back of these ships they have a sonic deflector (which can send) out sonic waves which when they hit you on the chest… pound you,” Mr Meagher said. “It’s like being hit with a big rubber bullet and it bursts your ear drums… This device was being manipulated on the rear of the ship by a security guard – a former Gurkha soldier… He was, fortunately for him, kneeling down behind this device because the device was hit and shrapnel from the hit took him in the head… He’s recovering okay. He was the only individual who had any injury. (He was) a very brave man standing by his post…” [Link]
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p>More on the sonic device:
Also known as an LRAD, the recently developed long range acoustic device is a crowd-control and combatant-deterrent sonic weapon… The warning tone is a high-pitched shrill tone similar to that of a smoke detector, only somewhat louder…. being within 100 yards (90 m) of the device is extremely painful…… sound could be reflected from a solid surface, and redirected back to the originator. [Link]
The captain was a damn-the-torpedoes type:
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| The new kukri knife |
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p>With the 151 passengers out of danger, the liner’s Norwegian captain Sven Erik Pederson went to the bridge in his bathrobe and tried to ram the pirates. [Link]
In his bathrobe. Here’s a lutefisk toast to you, Señor Pederson. Next time, instead of a smoke detector beep, try playing some William Hung. Pain guaranteed!
Yarrrrr … there be dissonance in these parts. Next coast, mateys!
I love Scandinavians.
I’ll say this for William Hung, he’s made more off of his 15 minutes of fame than most of the losers in Hollywood!
Where are your buccaneers?
Under your buckin’ hat!
NOW you know why you’ve been missing my presence. A distinct lack of shite jokes.
I missed the desi connection on this story – nice catch!
There’re more desi connections when it comes to mischief on the high seas and Somali pirates. TIME has run a piece this week about the piracy by Somalis and the cap’n they interview is a salty Sri Lankan sea dog called Mr Mahalingam (if memory serves).
How could you forget a name like that?
Oh yeah, Ennis remembers Señor Mahalingam.
Ssshhhh – you’re going to reveal my true identity. After the porn directors find out that I’m a blogger, I’ll never get a respectable job again. You know the stigma that comes with blogging …
Sure thing, “Long John Silver.”
Oops!
Great story.
Where can i get my hands on this device. Could put it to good use in Broooooooklyn !!!!
There you go again, accursing my memory with William Hung. grrrr. :-p
In his bathrobe.
THAT IS AWESOME. Vikings know how to deal with pirates. 😀
you missed the desi connection? lol. there was another man on the high seas repelling pirates in his bathrobe. his name was steve zizzou. and had an indian camera man too. waris ahluwalia. who’s also going to be in “Inside Man” which is in post production now, and is slated for release in 2006.