Onboard security did not stop this piracy

SOMALI pirates have hijacked the chemical tanker Biscaglia, despite the presence of three British guards onboard.

The guards were unarmed. Personally, I don't know what good it does to hire guards, but then not have them armed. I realize British cops don't carry guns, but it's not like these guys are walking a beat in London.

With all the piracy, the insurance rates have gone up dramatically for the ship owners. The international shipping industry will be greatly impacted by this, especially in today's market of falling charter rates.
More carriers are deciding to route their ships around the Capes, to avoid the Gulf of Aden, and the Somalian pirates.