28 June 2009

Pirate Season ~ Russian Yacht's "Big Game Hunt"

Too bad it's only a hoax. Many news articles and blogblabbers alike spread the word that Russian cruise lines are offering pirate hunting trips, some specifying sensational options and extras including:
  • Minimum guarantee of at least two hijacking attempts by pirates or instant $1,000 refund upon arrival in port;
  • Free complimentary night vision equipment is included and coffee, pastries and snacks are always available on the main deck from 7pm until 6am;
  • Rent a full-auto M-16 for only $25/day with ammo attractively priced at $16 per 100 rounds of 5.56 armor-piercing.
  • Nothing gets a pirate's attention like a Barrett M-107 .50-cal sniper rifle; only $59/day with 25 rounds of armor-piercing ammo affordably priced at only $29.95.
  • Rent an RPG for only $175/day with three fragmentation rounds included;
  • On a budget? Rent a full-auto AK-47 for only $9/day with 7.62 ball ammo at $12 per 100 rounds;
The sad thing is the number of people who commented on this as "outrageous" or "unethical". It seems to me that this would be both self-defence -- with the pirates attacking first -- and well within ancient maritime tradition. And it's a clever way to get rid of verminous piratical scum. It would be like shooting fish in a barrel...

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