Doesn't do the job though does it. The problem still exists. To hit the pirates at sea requires time and one hell of a lot of effort on the part of a large number of countries.

Time required to build up a picture of what is normal and what is not. Once you have that recognition of an impending attack does stick out like a ball on a billiard table.

A great deal of effort is required both in terms of committing naval forces and co-operation from countries along the trading routes. Airpower is the key both in establishing the "picture" and prosecuting rapid intervention. That airpower would be land and carrier based assisted by Predator UAVs and Satellites.

No arrests, no trials, no prison sentences, penalty for piracy is death. Most important of all blockade and hammer the bases from which they operate.

Ultimately merchant ships could be modified to make them impervious to pirate attack and hijacking.