I was listening to a radio talk this morning with a bloke in the UK that runs an anti-piracy consultancy. Disturbingly he reported that the ship owners don't give a toss about the abducted crews. You can pick crews up anywhere - they are a dime a dozen.
The anti-pirate weapon that he advises ship owners to install is the LRAD. Long Range Acoustic Device. The sound waves hitting people at 1000 metres is most uncomfortable and at 500 metres it is unbearable. Its a wide angle device so you don't have to be too flash with your accuracy. I might get one to use on the neighbours !
For details go to ;
http://gcaptain.com/maritime/blog/anti-pirate-weapons-piracy-somalia/
See item 2.

JG/FME