The root of the problem lies in poverty and the lack of any sort of Somali government besides war lords (i.e., criminal gangs). But if someone attacks you you don't ask if their rich or poor or in-between: you defend yourself.

By the way, when English pirates were taking Spanish ships the Spanish used convoys accompanied by military ships. Worked pretty well.

I wonder why that isn't being done, at least until the merchant ships are out of the danger zones?

Overall, I agree with Peace.

As for shooting them at 30 meters -- shucks, that's point-blank range. The trick is compensating for the movements of the ship and the lifeboat.