Taming the pirates

摘要

Alight aircraft chartered by Kenya-based KK Security is flying in low and slowly approaches the 22,835-tonne MV Hoang Son Sun (see photos). Extra wing tanks have been fitted and at the controls are two experienced pilots. Also onboard are two 'bagmen', the couriers used by KK Security who are responsible for the safe delivery of $2.6mn, the ransom publicly declared later by the Vietnamese owners of the vessel.Running the entire operation from his operational base in Haiphong, Vietnam, the kidnap negotiator is in direct communication with the master on the bridge. Armed pirates stand impassively on the decks. On one of the higher walkways, a pirate in a white shirt is seated with his back towards the aircraft; laptop open, he is probably in touch with his base onshore or even in contact with investors that could be located anywhere in the world, including London.