I really don't know. I'm not even sure how much of what we're hearing is accurate. I remember the first day it was reported that the crew had "retaken" the ship. It wasn't till the next day that we learned that he surrendered himself for the sake of the crew.
Today I heard that our Navy was under orders to stay a mile away from the pirates for diplomatic reasons and not wanting to aggravate the Somali nation. I know that as far as CG operations, for us (the US) to board a vessel flagged from another nation, it's a huge process of diplomacy and phone calls between countries. But that's for law enforcement. This is a whole 'nother ball of wax. This is terrorism and these people aren't operating as a sovreign nation. There's all kinds of ideas about mini subs and SEAL team insertions. If they're afraid to fire a shot, encircle the boat, and wait them out. Something has to happen after the food runs out. That little boat supposedly only has like a week of food on it. I guess it was the French spec ops (who are actually bad ass mofos) that took back a 47' sail boat from pirates who had a family of hostages. They killed two pirates and captured three more. Sadly, one of the hostages was killed, but the operation was hailed as a success. I'd have agree.
I've been in two "stand offs" with international boats. One Russian, and one Columbian. Both lasted several days. Nothing happens fast on the open ocean when it comes to two boats staring at each other.
