Another geography lesson needed. Somalia?

[eliza61]

I don't think this be considered political. that is not my intent.

Anyway, Why do ships sail past Somalia? I was reading about the poor couple who were on their round the world cruise and who were kidnapped by pirates. First, let me say, no they in no way deserve this. But I do wonder why they would choose this route considering it's been a hot bed of piracy for a while?

 

[Christopher Robin]

Simple geography.

 

[kerstfan1]

its the shortest route from europe to asia
if not u have to sail around africa

 

[FireDancer]

As others have stated, Geography. If the current situation in Egypt ends up closing the Suez Canal there will be a lot of oil tankers taking that route south past Somalia to go around Africa (with military escorts I suspect). Some tankers will come to the US via the Pacific and East Coast but the oil destined for Europe will have to go that way as would some of ours.

If nothing else that would take care of much of the pirate problem. War ships defending oil tankers (and their economic importance) would not play games.

 

[JCJRSmith]

I don't think this be considered political. that is not my intent.

Anyway, Why do ships sail past Somalia? I was reading about the poor couple who were on their round the world cruise and who were kidnapped by pirates. First, let me say, no they in no way deserve this. But I do wonder why they would choose this route considering it's been a hot bed of piracy for a while?

As others have said, geography. If one sails thru the Suez Canal, one has no choice but to sail past Somalia. A large portion of the world's oil supply flows thru those routes by tanker.

Many shipping companies are now contracting security services to ride on their ships as they pass thru the area. My nephew is doing this as I type this. It is pretty effective too - once the pirates see weapons they sail off in search of easier prey.

All that being said, you couldn't pay me enough to sail a private yacht thru those waters.

 

[pogo791]

The simple answer has already been given: if you are sailing from Europe to Asia, you either go through the Mediterranean and the Suez Canal, or you sail around Africa.

The Mediterranean has all kinds of attractions and services, making it an obvious route. I know several people - some with relatively little experience sailing a boat - who have spent great vacations there.

However, if you do choose the Mediterranean and the Suez Canal route, this takes you to the Red Sea, and from there into the enlarged area of operations of the Somali pirates. It is a huge area, and even with all the naval patrols, it is relatively easy for the pirates to avoid them and hit an isolated ship or sailboat. Definitely an area to avoid.

If you choose to sail around Africa, the trip may take several weeks longer (because of both the prevailing winds and the sheer distance), and the logistics more difficult. Many of the ports you will have to use will not be geared towards sailboats, and thus are definitely not for fair-weather sailors. You would have to really know your stuff.

 

[Swank]

The four people killed were not simply on a pleasure cruise they were on a mission to give out Bibles. May they rest in peace.