There hasn't been a government in Somalia in over twenty years. Don't expect any help from something that doesn't exist.......

John, Newport, US

Somali Pirates taking mostly ships from muslim countries demanding ransom doesnt anybody see whats going on here Somali is the new afghanastan in the making for al queda funding thur ransom and who know what those ships are carrying from iran perhaps nukes to the terrorists

PAUL GIARMOLEO, Miller Place, USA

I really don't understand why they don't use something like a few AC130's to solve the problem. Patrol ships are slow, planes fast. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_AC-130

Jeff, Kuala Lumpur,

Those hostages better hope they can make a good home in Somalia.

Bob Sapp, London,

21 century and we still have a pirate problem, send in special forces ,sink all their ships and get our men out of there,why are we getting bullied by these people,what about these mens poor familys

s.kordell, st athan, wales

It’s obvious the issue rests deeper than the act of piracy. Do the gov’t and insurance agencies who so willingly pay these ransoms honestly believe the pirates of today are frivolously spending their hard earned ransoms on doubloons, women and rum?
Dear Author: Dig deeper and look beyond the obvious

-AS, Miami, FL, US

Mon 17th Frank Pope said so far only 3 people killed all in accidents. Several experts saying the fight against piracy can only be won onshore - (Philips & Pope). Tue 18th the Leader says 9 crew killed & another 9 missing in an argument to snuff piracy at sea. ?? Wrong.

Henry Thompson, Oxford, UK

Steven

it may be picky but it's far more likely the SBS would be called upon!

Andy, Manchester,

Steven - more a job for the SBS me thinks....

steve, IL, USA

Steve, it would be the SBS in this situation

John, Salford, England

The pirates of Tripoli and Morocco were only stopped when an armada removed their land base and made war on any would pirate in the area, no holds barred..

This needs to be done again, and will work, IF the Somali government is willing to take responsibility for removing the threat on land.

David Drezner, glenside, USA

send in a naval task force and start patrolling these waters. I think a reaction before the deadline will show that the west can't be messed with this way. And that means using deadly force

This is a problem that won't to away quickly unless governments start acting on it.

Kieron heath, st. Lawrence, uk

Only one thing to add here "Bring in the SAS!"

steven, Bracknell, England

Considering that these pirates aren't getting paid in pieces of eight or chests full of treasure, where is the money going? Is it not possible to attack them through the money as well as militarily? Once it becomes a high risk activity with little financial reward their efforts will reduce too.

Chris, Derby,